Near East, Iran, Samanid Dynasty, Nishapur or Samarqand, ca. 10th century CE. A striking pottery bowl painted with a line of white calligraphy, Sufic script, around the upper interior against a grey-black background. Samanid potters invented slip-painted ware, achieving a beautiful clarity of design. They used an englobe (a thin slip wash) to cover red earthenware and then painted inscriptions in pigment mixed with slip. Adding slip to the pigment prevented it from running. The beautiful style of the calligraphy, with its stylized long shafts and angular letters, demonstrates a close relationship between the potter and the calligrapher. Most bowls of this type have a white background with black or brown letters; the juxtaposition of the color gives this bowl a unique, dramatic look. Size: 11.45" W x 4.45" H (29.1 cm x 11.3 cm)

The inscriptions on bowls like this one are Arabic proverbs - in fact, some of the first extant examples that appear in the Islamic world. Each inscription is read by turning the bowl counterclockwise. Some of these inscriptions are a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, and others are referencing social codes from the Samanids, who deeply valued hospitality and generosity.

See comparable examples from Christies: a group of three that sold for $4500: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/three-samanid-calligraphic-pottery-bowls-nishapur-eastern-5422325-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intObjectID=5422325&sid=080fdd4c-5c5f-4c13-9b3e-3ab38efbe82a; and a group of two that sold for $8600: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/two-samanid-calligraphic-bowls-samarqand-central-asia-5422327-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intObjectID=5422327&sid=080fdd4c-5c5f-4c13-9b3e-3ab38efbe82a

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#121905

Intact, with tiny losses to glaze. Very clear artwork and fine craquelure on glazed surface.