Description:

: A LARGE NISHAPUR POTTERY BOWL WITH STYLISED PALMETTES, TRANSOXIANA, CIRCA 10TH CENTURY
Persia, Transoxiana, circa 10th century

Description:
A large earthenware bowl of conical form with a flat base and sharply angled sides. Decorated in manganese and iron red on a white slip beneath a transparent glaze, the design features bold stylised palmette motifs interspersed with circular medallions and scrollwork elements. The composition is thoughtfully spaced, allowing the natural surface of the slip to provide contrast and rhythm. The design reflects the early Islamic aesthetic values of symmetry, abstraction, and vegetal inspiration prevalent in Samanid-period ceramics.

Dimensions:
Diameter: 25.5 cm
Height: 6.5 cm

Provenance:
Private German Collection

Comparable examples:

  • A Nishapur pottery bowl with similar red and manganese palmette motifs, 10th century, sold at Christie’s, London, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 20 October 2022, Lot 118, for £13,860.

  • A comparable Samanid bowl with abstract vegetal patterns and inscription, Nishapur, 10th century, sold at Bonhams, London, Islamic and Indian Art, 24 April 2017, Lot 41, for £11,250.

  • A related bowl with similar layout and palette, attributed to Nishapur, sold at Sotheby’s, London, Arts of the Islamic World, 25 April 2018, Lot 145, for £10,625.

Note:
Nishapur ceramics from the Samanid period are prized for their innovative decorative approach, often pairing refined calligraphy or botanical motifs with sophisticated yet restrained color schemes. The stylised palmettes here evoke both Central Asian textile design and the flourishing manuscript illumination traditions of the era. The overall clarity and boldness of execution distinguish this as a fine example of Transoxiana’s 10th-century ceramic output.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
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