Accession Number
1957/1.70

Title
Flat-rimmed Bowl with painted abstract design

Artist(s)
Iranian

Artist Nationality
Iranian

Object Creation Date
13th century

Medium & Support
fritware with blue underglaze painting and green glaze

Dimensions
3 9/16 in. x 8 1/16 in. x 8 1/16 in. ( 9 cm x 20.5 cm x 20.5 cm )

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Subject matter
This flat-rimmed bowl is typical of Sultanabad style ceramics. The shape, for example, is a popular form of the category. Pseudo-inscriptions often appear around exterior rim walls, as seen here. The interior vegetative motif is comparable to other examples of Sultanabad ceramics of this type.

The overall shape, style and technique of this bowl may be attributed to Sultanabad Il-Khanid wares. The exterior vertical strokes may be a repetition of the Arabic Kufic letter alif. The bowls of this style and region have a distinct profile shape, as seen here.
 

Physical Description
This dark green flat-rimmed bowl comes from the 13th century Iran and is decorated with abstract and painted designs. The interior features a floral design with buds, white the exterior has highly conventionalized inscribed bands and some floral elements.
 

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
bowl

Collection Area
Western

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
Il-Khanid pottery styles
Islamic (culture or style)
Kashan
Kufic
Sultanabad (Il-Khanid pottery style)
Sultanabad ware
bowls (vessels)
ceramic ware (visual works)
floral patterns