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An ancient Islamic Nishapur polychrome ware ceramic bowl, dating to approximately 900 AD.
The beautiful deep bowl with depiction of a stylized bird, probably a peacock, his wings outstretched. Floral elements decorate the field and vertical lines decorate the exterior wall of the vessel. Wonderful use of manganese, mustard and green pigments throughout.
These vessels are known to have only been produced in Nishapur in North-east Iran1. They were made by first covering the bowl with a yellow ground slip (undercoat). The polychrome decoration was then added on top of this slip and then finally a colourless lead glaze applied. For a Nishapur bowl with similar peacock decoration, see no. CER56TSR, Tareq Rajab Museum, Kuwait2.
Diameter: 6 3/4 inches.
Height: Just over 2 1/2 inches.
Condition: Expertly restored from several sections but with little if any additions/overpainting.
Provenance: Old British Private collection, 1950's. Several of this collectors pieces were exhibited at the 1969 Victoria and Albert Museum show, "Islamic Pottery 800-1400 AD" and illustrated in the exhibition catalogue by Ralph Pinder-Wilson.
References:
1 Geza Fehavari, Ceramics of the Islamic World in the Tareq Rajab Museum, 2000 (Tauris), p. 50-51
2 ibid. p.52 fig. 44
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