North Africa, Morocco, Fez (Fes) region, ca. 19th century CE. This is a gorgeous traditional style of Moroccan pottery known as a mokhfia with a tronja motif in colorful glazing. The dish has a tall ring foot that supports the flared walls and broad shoulder. The exterior of the rim and lip is decorated with a white ground glaze and wavy dark brown linear pattern, and the interior basin is almost completely covered with a geometric and vibrant pattern known as a tronja or turtle pattern that radiates from the central rosette with linear mesh forms and concentric circles, symmetrically arranged in 5 sections in cobalt, saffron yellow, teal, and black. Mokhfias are used for serving couscous and are pierced through the foot for displaying on a wall when not in use, and no wonder - this is a beautiful and colorful piece to show off! Size: 11.75" Diameter x 5.5" H (29.8 cm x 14 cm)

For a nearly identical example, please see the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number: M.2002.1.309

Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998

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#168859

Repaired from two large pieces with adhesive, the visible break line is across the interior of basin and shows signs of old repairs in this area; 3 pairs of drilled holes along the break line, likely for metal staples. Surface abrasions and chips throughout. Mineral and earthen encrustations on the interior and exterior and some discoloration to glaze. Piercing hole through ring foot in encrusted with earthen deposits.