Plate

Historical period(s)
Samanid period, 10th century
Medium
Earthenware painted under glaze
Dimensions
H x W: 3.6 x 21 cm (1 7/16 x 8 1/4 in)
Geography
Iran or Afghanistan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1965.27
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Vessel
Type

Dish

Keywords
Afghanistan, earthenware, flower, Iran, kufic script, Samanid period (819 - 1005), WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Among the most distinct and impressive examples of Persian ceramics are a group produced during the reign of the Samanids (819-1005) in Khurasan in northeastern Iran, present-day Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. These vessels are embellished with inscriptions, usually in the form of a moralizing proverb. The inscription on this small plate reads, "Excellence if the quality of the people of paradise."

Published References
  • Oriental Ceramics: The World's Great Collections. 12 vols., Tokyo. vol. 10, pl. 85.
  • Robert J. Charleston. Islamic Pottery. Masterpieces of Western and Near Eastern Ceramics, vol. 4 Tokyo and New York. pl. 18.
  • Dr. Esin Atil. Ceramics from the World of Islam. Exh. cat. Washington, 1973. cat. 11, pp. 34-35.
  • Jonathan M. Bloom, Sheila Blair. And Diverse are their Hues. p. 277, fig. 186.
Collection Area(s)
Arts of the Islamic World
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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