Accession Number
1957/1.83

Title
Bulb-shaped bottle fragment

Artist(s)
Iranian

Artist Nationality
Iranian

Object Creation Date
17th century

Medium & Support
earthenware with glaze

Dimensions
7 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in. ( 19.05 cm x 13.97 cm x 13.97 cm )

Credit Line
Museum purchase

Subject matter
See physical description. 

Physical Description
This fragment was possibly a waster since it does not have a firm base, nor does the glaze complement or enhance the faint design painted underneath. The first band of spiked forms immediately below the borken neck seems closer to the later 16th century Chinese derivatives. The second band is a Persian adaptation of numerous related designs which hang down from a border or protrude up from a base line. This border may be compared to the floral patterns on Kirman ceramics--the combination of narrow vines or stems and large leaf forms. The unusual effect of the glaze may be a common error in the firing of an iron based dull green glaze used for the Kirmani 'celadon'. It therefore seems logical that this piece is from 17th century Kirman. 

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Collection Area
Western

Rights
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Keywords
Islamic
Kirman
Safavid pottery styles
bottle
bottles
ceramic ware (visual works)
floral patterns
geometric patterns