Medieval Near East and Western / Central Asia, Persia (Iran), Nishapur, ca. 10th to early 13th century CE. A stunning censer vessel of a broad, bulbous form that is covered in green and blue-green glaze that exudes a high luster. The circular body showcases three rows with dozens of openwork rectangular perforations with downward triangular serrations that enable the aromatic incense to escape. The upper shoulder is adorned with intricate linear details beneath the thick rim, and the circular mouth suggests the vessel was adorned with a lid at one time. Delicate vessels like this example were suggestive of the wealth and status of a particular family or place of worship, and the colorful glazing helped to amplify those perceptions. Entrancing layers of silvery and rainbow-hued iridescence have developed over the glazed surfaces and opulently complement this resplendent vessel. Size: 7.625" W x 6.8" H (19.4 cm x 17.3 cm)

Nishapur was a center of politics and culture in medieval Persia, and their pottery is some of the most unique and beautiful we see from this time period. These items are the result of technological innovation at the end of the 10th century. The glaze is alkaline, with a copper base to give it its color, and would be poured over the clay. These pieces may have been inspired by the green celadon glazed pottery that travelled the Silk Road from Tang Dynasty China, but the end result here is clearly not just an imitation, but an entirely different, radical style developed in Nishapur.

Provenance: private California, USA collection, by descent, moved from Germany in 1997, originally collected in the 1970s in Hamburg, Germany

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#155964

Original lid missing. Minor abrasions and nicks to body, rim, and foot, with heavy encrustations, and fading and chipping to areas of glaze, otherwise intact and excellent. Great earthen deposits, remains of original glaze color, and iridescence throughout. One TL drill hole beneath foot.