Bowl with Pseudo-Inscriptional Design
The main decoration of this bowl contains a band of epigraphy that might be read as the graphic contraction of the word "bi ’l-yumn" ("with happiness") or "al-yumn" ("happiness"). The decorative aspect of the letters is clearly preeminent and goes to the detriment of their legibility, to the extent that the band might be regarded as a pseudo-inscription.
However, such benedictory formulas were common on everyday objects of this period, such as pottery and metal.
However, such benedictory formulas were common on everyday objects of this period, such as pottery and metal.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bowl with Pseudo-Inscriptional Design
- Date: 10th century
- Geography: Probably made in Uzbekistan
- Medium: Earthenware; white slip with polychrome slip decoration under transparent glaze
- Dimensions: H. 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm)
Diam. of rim: 11 13/16 in. (30 cm) - Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund, Lewis and Gemma Hall Gift, Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, and Harvey B. Plotnick Gift, 2003
- Object Number: 2003.415
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
10th century
10th century
10th century
9th century
9th–10th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.