Imported Luster Bowl

Unknown

10th century · Earthenware; luster-painted on an opaque white glaze · Islamic Art

This luster ware bowl represents just one of the ceramic types from Iraq that was found in Nishapur. Its true metallic sheen—derived from a technique not known to Nishapuri potters—confirms that it was made in Iraq, and its single color dates it to the tenth century. Together with other examples, this bowl is evidence of the active trade between the two regions once Nishapur was incorporated into the Abbasid empire in the eighth century. It does not appear that Nishapur ceramics were very popular in the west, though; they only seem to have traveled in the immediate vicinity of Samarqand, Herat, and Merv, and perhaps to Kirman in southeastern Iran.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Earthenware; luster-painted on an opaque white glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1940