Antique Islamic Ceramic Glazed Splashed and Sgraffito Decoration Bowl

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A small Islamic ceramic bowl circa 11-12th century, possibly from Aghkand Persia. The elegantly shaped bowl with a slightly flared … Read more A small Islamic ceramic bowl circa 11-12th century, possibly from Aghkand Persia. The elegantly shaped bowl with a slightly flared opening is supported on a small foot rim. The earth ware body of the bowl was made of a red clay, which was covered with an overall cream white glaze. The surface was further decorated with scrolling foliage and other geometrical sgraffito patterns such as crossed lines and S shapes. The pattern was organized into radiating sections from a circle marked by double lines and anchored by a prominent "S" in the center. A scrolling pattern was also used to decorate the circumference of the exterior wall in tandem space. On top of the sgraffito, green and a purplish-brown glaze were applied to fill in the outlined patterns. The so called Islamic "Splashed Ware" may have its original inspiration from Chinese San Cai ware from Tang Dynasty, which spread west ward along the silk road to reach the central Asia. But the sgraffito technique appears to be unique to the central Asia during that period. The confinement of the color splashes to the sgraffito patterns is a characteristic of the Persian incised ware made during 12th century. Similar pieces were found in Aghkand of nowadays Iran.
From a Canadian Collection.
For reference and similar examples, see "Ceramics from Islamic Lands. Kuwait National Musuem. The Al-Sabah Collection" p. 253-271. Illustration Cat. 1c.1, p.265. See less