Bowl depicting a Man holding a Cup and a Flowering Branch

Unknown

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

Luster ceramics from Samarra often include stylized human figures. In this example, the lively caricatural quality of the seated man holding a cup and a flowering branch is enhanced by the two birds that hold fish in their beaks but look like they are kissing. The foot bears an Arabic inscription that reads baraka (blessing) in kufic script.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Earthenware; luster-painted on opaque white glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Edwin Binney 3rd and Purchase, Richard S. Perkins Gift, 1977