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
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