Bowl

Object Details

• Description

  Clay: fine, white.

  Glaze: clear turquoise; iridescent decay.

  Decoration: painted in cobalt blue under glaze; king and four attendants. One of a pair F1967.24.

• Label

  This bowl is clearly intended as a pair to another one in the collection (see F1967.24) depicting a seated crowned male figure with attendants. Although women played a significant role in medieval Persian pictorial imagery, they were usually shown as part of a greater ensemble and in the company of men. The female figure or "queen" on this bowl is not only the visual focus of the bowl, but she is also larger in scale than her male companion, which further underlines her importance and prestige. The two vessels are the only known extant examples of a "matching pair" from medieval Iran.

• 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 (May 10, 1985 to September 3, 1985)

  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)

  2500 Years of Persian Art—Paintings, Pottery (February 10, 1972 to June 15, 1973)

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

• Origin

  Iran

• 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

  1200s

• Topic

  Art, King, Arts of the Islamic World, Stone-paste, Saljuq period (1037 - 1300), Iridescence, Ceramics, Halo, Throne

• Culture

  Muslims, Iranians

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)

• On View

  Yes