Details
Description
A beautifully hand-painted 19th-century Moroccan pottery bowl, probably made in Fès, one of Morocco's most important historic centers of ceramic …
Read more
A beautifully hand-painted 19th-century Moroccan pottery bowl, probably made in Fès, one of Morocco's most important historic centers of ceramic production.
The footed bowl is decorated by hand in a richly graphic arrangement of geometric and stylized vegetal motifs. Cobalt blue is combined with green, yellow and dark outlining against a pale glazed ground, creating the bold rhythmic patterning associated with traditional Fassi ceramics. Subtle irregularities in the drawing, glaze and earthenware body reveal the hand of the maker and give the bowl the wonderful individuality characteristic of early Moroccan pottery.
The form is consistent with a traditional mokhfia, a broad footed serving bowl associated with Moroccan dining and particularly with the serving of couscous. These substantial bowls also functioned as highly decorative objects, their interiors providing a large surface for the complex radial and geometric ornament for which Fès pottery became celebrated.
Fès was an important center of Moroccan ceramic production for centuries, and its distinctive glazed pottery had attracted international attention by the 19th century. Museum collections preserve closely related Fassi bowls acquired during that period, while surviving examples demonstrate considerable variation in both palette and composition.
The bowl's hand-painted decoration, footed earthenware construction, glaze and overall aesthetic are consistent with 19th-century Moroccan production, probably Fès. As the piece is unsigned and has no documented provenance, the regional attribution is presented conservatively.
A striking example of North African ceramic tradition, equally compelling as an antique vessel and as a graphic decorative object.
Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age and use, with expected irregularities and wear to the glaze and ceramic surface. These characteristics are part of the history and handmade nature of the piece. Please examine photographs carefully for condition.
Dimensions: 13" x 13" x 3.5"
See less
- Dimensions
- 13ʺW × 13ʺD × 3.5ʺH
- Styles
- Moroccan
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- Morocco
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Pottery
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Blue
- Condition Notes
- In beautiful antique condition. The bowl has some light crazing of the glaze when looked at closely. There is some … moreIn beautiful antique condition. The bowl has some light crazing of the glaze when looked at closely. There is some loss of paint that the rim normal for age. The underside has some terracotta colored glaze that was either added at time of make to cover imperfections or at a later date. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
Related Collections
- Feather Decorative Bowls
- Tyra Lundgren Decorative Bowls
- Carlo Moretti Decorative Bowls
- Port 68 Decorative Bowls
- Nymphenburg Porcelain Decorative Bowls
- Sèvres Porcelain Decorative Bowls
- Furstenberg Porcelain Decorative Bowls
- Arzbeg Porcelain Decorative Bowls
- Gucci Decorative Bowls
- Hermès Decorative Bowls
- Classical Greek Decorative Bowls
- Derby Porcelain Decorative Bowls
- Tiffany and Co. Decorative Bowls
- Brass Chinese Decorative Bowls
- Lalique Decorative Bowls
- Fenton Art Glass Company Decorative Bowls
- Brass Decorative Bowls
- Chinoiserie Decorative Bowls
- Chinese Decorative Bowls
- Maitland - Smith Decorative Bowls
- Japanese Decorative Bowls
- Murano Glass Decorative Bowls
- Red Bowls
- Copper Decorative Bowls
- Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls