Medieval | Islamic Figural Ceramic Vessel with Kufic Motif Border | Circa 12th–13th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Persia / Syria (Raqqa ware tradition, Islamic world)
Material: Glazed earthenware pottery
Period: Medieval Islamic Period, likely 12th–13th Century A.D.
Description
This remarkable medieval Islamic glazed earthenware bowl exemplifies the refined ceramic traditions of the Seljuk-era Middle East. The vessel features a gently flared form with a small pedestal foot, its interior richly decorated with black-painted figural and vegetal motifs beneath a translucent yellow-green glaze.
A stylized figure appears within the interior medallion, framed by scrolling vegetal ornament and a decorative border around the rim rendered in a Kufic-inspired pattern. The painterly black designs contrast beautifully with the mottled glaze tones ranging from olive green and honey yellow to earthy browns—hallmarks of medieval Persian and Syrian pottery workshops.
Such bowls were both functional and symbolic objects, often used in domestic and ceremonial settings. Ceramics of this type were widely produced in centers such as Raqqa and Kashan during the height of Islamic artistic innovation.
An old collection label remains affixed to the underside of the vessel reading “Rakka, Syrie 1350 F.” This historic label likely reflects an earlier attribution to the Raqqa ceramic tradition and suggests the bowl was once part of a private collection or dealer inventory where it was cataloged and valued.
Features
- Medieval Islamic glazed earthenware bowl
- Figural interior decoration with vegetal ornamentation
- Kufic-style decorative border along the rim
- Yellow-green glaze with black painted designs
- Raised pedestal foot typical of Seljuk-period pottery
- Strong archaeological patina and glaze craquelure
Cultural Significance
Ceramics from medieval Persia and Syria were among the most advanced artistic productions of the Islamic world. Workshops in cities such as Raqqa, Nishapur, and Kashan developed distinctive glazing and decorative techniques that influenced ceramic traditions across Asia and Europe.
Figural bowls such as this often combined storytelling imagery with decorative symbolism, reflecting the vibrant courtly culture of the Seljuk era.
Condition
Surface wear, glaze loss, and mineral encrustation consistent with significant age. Areas of abrasion and glaze degradation are present, as expected for ceramics of this period. The piece remains structurally stable and visually striking with strong historical patina.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Diameter: 5 in
Age (Approximate)
700–800 years old
Learn More
Explore a comparable Medieval Islamic Raqqa ware ceramic bowl in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum
Browse our Middle Eastern Antiquities & Ancient Art Collection
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Persia / Syria (Raqqa ware tradition, Islamic world)
Material: Glazed earthenware pottery
Period: Medieval Islamic Period, likely 12th–13th Century A.D.
Description
This remarkable medieval Islamic glazed earthenware bowl exemplifies the refined ceramic traditions of the Seljuk-era Middle East. The vessel features a gently flared form with a small pedestal foot, its interior richly decorated with black-painted figural and vegetal motifs beneath a translucent yellow-green glaze.
A stylized figure appears within the interior medallion, framed by scrolling vegetal ornament and a decorative border around the rim rendered in a Kufic-inspired pattern. The painterly black designs contrast beautifully with the mottled glaze tones ranging from olive green and honey yellow to earthy browns—hallmarks of medieval Persian and Syrian pottery workshops.
Such bowls were both functional and symbolic objects, often used in domestic and ceremonial settings. Ceramics of this type were widely produced in centers such as Raqqa and Kashan during the height of Islamic artistic innovation.
An old collection label remains affixed to the underside of the vessel reading “Rakka, Syrie 1350 F.” This historic label likely reflects an earlier attribution to the Raqqa ceramic tradition and suggests the bowl was once part of a private collection or dealer inventory where it was cataloged and valued.
Features
- Medieval Islamic glazed earthenware bowl
- Figural interior decoration with vegetal ornamentation
- Kufic-style decorative border along the rim
- Yellow-green glaze with black painted designs
- Raised pedestal foot typical of Seljuk-period pottery
- Strong archaeological patina and glaze craquelure
Cultural Significance
Ceramics from medieval Persia and Syria were among the most advanced artistic productions of the Islamic world. Workshops in cities such as Raqqa, Nishapur, and Kashan developed distinctive glazing and decorative techniques that influenced ceramic traditions across Asia and Europe.
Figural bowls such as this often combined storytelling imagery with decorative symbolism, reflecting the vibrant courtly culture of the Seljuk era.
Condition
Surface wear, glaze loss, and mineral encrustation consistent with significant age. Areas of abrasion and glaze degradation are present, as expected for ceramics of this period. The piece remains structurally stable and visually striking with strong historical patina.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Diameter: 5 in
Age (Approximate)
700–800 years old
Learn More
Explore a comparable Medieval Islamic Raqqa ware ceramic bowl in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum
Browse our Middle Eastern Antiquities & Ancient Art Collection
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