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Details / Information for Nishapur Figural Bowl

Nishapur Figural Bowl

900s
Measurements
Overall: 8 x 35.6 cm (3 1/8 x 14 in.)
Public Domain
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Location
116 Islamic

Description

Nishapur was founded as a Sasanian imperial city and ceramics produced here regularly incorporate elements from Sasanian metalware. The lively decoration on this bowl features four bearded figures surrounded by animals, birds, and angular script (possibly extending baraka, blessing). The central horse with a cheetah on his back suggests an imperial hunt, a common theme in Sasanian and Islamic art. The decorative motifs and figures employed on Nishapur polychrome ware reflect the rich cultural traditions in this part of northeastern Iran. Some vessels, like this one, depict the pastime of hunting, others reflect festivals celebrated by Muslims and Zoroastrians, and a few display Christian symbols.
The inside of a shallow ceramic bowl is colored green, yellow, and brown. In the center, the bowl's circular bottom depicts a cheetah standing on a horse's back against a brown background. Four men with light skin tones and dark beards decorate the wide yellow rim. Two wear trousers and polka-dot shirts while two wear wraps and a shirt patterned with crosses, and each gestures toward the center. Animals, large birds, and angular script surround them.

Nishapur Figural Bowl

900s

Iran, Nishapur, Samanid period (819–1005)

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