Description:

A LARGE CALLIGRAPHIC NISHAPUR POTTERY BOWL, CIRCA 10TH CENTURY, PERSIA
Nishapur, Khurasan region, 10th century

Description:
A large earthenware bowl of slightly flared conical form on a short foot, decorated in black and red slip under a transparent glaze. The interior is inscribed with bold kufic calligraphy, arranged in a circular pattern along the rim, likely conveying a benedictory or moralising message. One prominent black kufic band encircles the interior midsection, dividing the composition and enhancing the visual rhythm of the piece. The glaze shows a fine craquelure with areas of iridescence and minor wear consistent with age.

Dimensions:
Diameter x Height: 23 x 7.5cm

This type of calligraphic ware is emblematic of the sophisticated ceramic tradition of Nishapur, combining utilitarian function with epigraphic elegance.

Comparable examples:

  • A similar calligraphic bowl from Nishapur, 10th century, sold at Sotheby’s, London, Arts of the Islamic World, 25 October 2017, Lot 113, for £11,250.

  • A related Persian epigraphic slip-painted bowl, circa 10th century, sold at Christie’s, London, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 27 April 2023, Lot 94, for £10,000.

  • Another Nishapur bowl with black kufic inscriptions, Iran, 10th century, sold at Bonhams, London, Islamic and Indian Art, 11 June 2018, Lot 56, for £9,375.

Note:
Calligraphic pottery from Nishapur is one of the most iconic ceramic types of early Islamic Iran. The inscriptions often conveyed wisdom, blessings, or proverbs, intended to elevate the everyday act of dining into a reflective or spiritual moment. These bowls were admired not only in Persia but also traded widely across the Islamic world.

 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000