Plate

Object Details

• Description

  Platter; shallow, wide-rimmed, on low ring-foot. Two Kufic inscriptions in black-brown on white slip. Clear glaze shows fine crackle in places. Inside of foot unglazed revealing light reddish clay Broken and repaired in ancient times (3 bronze rivets) and again recently. Greater part of outer edge and small area on wide margin made of plaster.

  Although the shape of this plate is identical to that of the previous (No.7), it employs a different scheme of decoration with the inscription placed in two concentric bands on the wide rim. A small dot appears in the center of the object. This central motif is often interpreted as the symbol for yin-yang found in Chinese iconography, representing the opposing forces in nature.

  Like other examples of this group, the buff body is covered with a white engobe on which an almost black, dark-brown slip is used for the inscription. The Arabic inscription, beginning on the outer band and continuing on the inner reads: [arbc]

  The literal translation of this phrase is:

  He who professes the faith (or takes the oath) will excell; and to whatever you accustom yourself you will grow accustomed to. Blessing the owner.

  The plate has been broken and repaired in ancient times as indicated by three bronze rivets which were used during its restoration.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Engaging the Senses (October 14, 2017 - ongoing)

  Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)

  Near Eastern Ceramics (June 24, 1982 to September 23, 1982)

  Near Eastern Ceramics (May 14, 1981 to May 10, 1985)

  Art of the Near East (August 21, 1977 to December 14, 1979)

  Ceramics from the World of Islam (January 16, 1974 to July 1, 1974)

  Near Eastern Art (June 15, 1973 to May 7, 1975)

  Near Eastern Art—Paintings, Pottery (August 18, 1967 to February 10, 1972)

  Near Eastern Art (June 5, 1964 to August 18, 1967)

  Persian Art (January 1, 1963 to September 3, 1963)

  Special Exhibition Afghanistan (September 3, 1963 to June 5, 1964)

  Special Exhibition of Persian Art (May 1, 1960 to August 11, 1961)

  Centennial Exhibition, Galleries 6 and 7 (February 25, 1956 to April 10, 1962)

  Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Manuscripts, Pottery, Metalwork, and Glass (April 12, 1955 to November 21, 1955)

  Special Exhibition, Near Eastern Art (September 15, 1953 to February 9, 1954)

  Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Arts, 1947 (October 6, 1947 to February 25, 1956)

• Origin

  Iran or Afghanistan

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Vessel

• On View

  Freer Gallery 03: Engaging the Senses

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  900s, 1000s

• Place

  Afghanistan

• Topic

  Kufic script, Art, Pottery, Arts of the Islamic World, Samanid period (819 - 1005)

• Culture

  Muslims, Iranians

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)

• On View

  Yes