Imitation Blue-and-White Bowl

Unknown

17th century · Stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze · Islamic Art

Like so many ceramics produced in Iran during the Safavid period, the style and decoration of this dish shows an attempt to emulate the highly-regarded Chinese porcelain. This is illustrated by the blue and white color scheme, as well as the distinctly Chinese imagery of pagoda structures and figures wearing local dress. Moreover, there is an imitation Chinese seal-mark on the base, which in Chinese porcelain would have indicated the dynasty and Emperor. That Iranian potters included this detail indicates the great lengths to which they went to make their wares comparable to the Chinese originals.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nellie Kuh, by exchange, Louis V. Bell Fund, and funds from various donors, 1967