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Bowl with bird holding leaf and inscription

Iranian

Artwork Details

Bowl with bird holding leaf and inscription
12th century - 13th century
Iranian
fritware with overglaze lustre painting
2 ½ x 6 ¼ x 6 ¼ in. (6.35 x 15.88 x 15.88 cm)
Museum Purchase
1957/1.63

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Description

Subject Matter:

The interior of this bown has two zones of decoration: one just below the rim and the other occupying the remainder of the vessel's surface. The rim area has a series of six solid lustre circles, each surrounded by a white zone and separated from the others by a band composed of dots connected by curving lines which suggest a loose scroll decoration. The remainder of the bowl is filled with the stylized figure of a bird shown in profile and executed in reserve against a solid lustre background. The curve of the bird's body echoes the shape of the bowl creating a visual rhythm which moves clockwise from its head through its breast and upturned wing. The tip of the wing touches the end of the bird's long beak and the circular movement is continued by a leaf which hangs from the beak. Originally, the bird's feathers were indicated by a series of fine lines and embellished with dots but now only vestiges of this decoration remain. 

Physical Description:

The interior of this bown has two zones of decoration: one just below the rim and the other occupying the remainder of the vessel's surface. The rim area has a series of six solid lustre circles, each surrounded by a white zone and separated from the others by a band composed of dots connected by curving lines which suggest a loose scroll decoration. The remainder of the bowl is filled with the stylized figure of a bird shown in profile and executed in reserve against a solid lustre background. The curve of the bird's body echoes the shape of the bowl creating a visual rhythm which moves clockwise from its head through its breast and upturned wing. The tip of the wing touches the end of the bird's long beak and the circular movement is continued by a leaf which hangs from the beak. Originally, the bird's feathers were indicated by a series of fine lines and embellished with dots but now only vestiges of this decoration remain. 

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