Lusterware bowl decorated with dragons
![Detail of a pattern](https://asia.si.edu/wp-content/themes/custom/nmaa/nmaa-frontend/public/images/hero-bkgrnd-desktop.jpg)
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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Period
1211 or 1213 -
Geography
Iran -
Material
Clay with lustreware glaze -
Dimension
H x W: 10.2 x 15.4 cm (4 x 6 1/16 in) -
Accession Number
F1981.29 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_F1981.29
Object Details
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Description
Bowl with straight side widening at the rim and high foot. In the center is a medallion with foliate forms evolving from a four-partite element, enclosed by a band of cursive inscriptions painted in reserve. The inner walls contain two scaled bands which intertwine around a bird and terminate in four pairs of confronting dragon heads. Kufic letters rendered in reserve appear between the scaled bands while a quatrain written in the cursive style is placed between the dragon heads. Another cursive inscription, written in reserve, encircles the rim. The exterior is painted in reserve and contains large leaves enclosed by vines. -
Inscriptions
(E. Atil, 1982) The inscriptions, similar to other Kashan wares, are written in a typically loose and careless style. According to Oliver Hoare of AHUAN, there is a date, Shawwal 609, on the piece. Upon careful study and search, this date was found on the innermost band painted in reserve (^o^, see photocopy in file for placement): "Fi Shawwal sana tis'a wa sitta-mi'a (In Shawwal the year nine and six hundred.)" -
Provenance
Kevorkian Collection [1]1968Sale, Sotheby's, in 1968 [2]Edwin Binney, 3rd [3]To 1982Ahuan (Islamic Art Services Limited), London, to 1982From 1982Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Ahuan (Islamic Art Services Limited) in 1981Notes:[1]According to Curatorial Note 5, E. Atil, 1981, in the object record. See also, Curatorial Note 2, E. Atil, 1982, in the object record.[2] See Note 1.[3] See Note 1. -
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection -
Previous custodian or owner
Edwin Binney 3rd (1925-1986)Ahuan (Islamic Art Services Limited) -
Origin
Iran -
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment -
Type
Vessel -
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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