Bowl Decorated with Circles Formed of Dots
10th century
Physical Qualities
Earthenware with white, red and black-brown slip glazes, 1 1/2 H x 4 7/8 Diam. in. (3.8 x 12.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Richard and Elizabeth S. Ettinghausen in Memory of Adelyn D. Breeskin
Object Number
2013.179
Nishapur was a trading and manufacturing city located in eastern Iran’s Khorasan province on the ancient trade route known today as the Silk Road. Script was a popular feature of decorative objects made in the city. In addition to script or pseudo-script, common motifs include circles, dots, scrolls,and birds on both ceramic and metal vessels.
This bowl received extensive conservation in preparation for its exhibition. One typical approach—filling a void with plaster hidden by repainting the missing design—has been rejected in favor of leaving repaired areas visible.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2013 (on extended loan from 1957); Elizabeth Ettinghausen, Princeton, NJ; Richard S. Ettinghausen
Frances Klapthor, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Art Across Asia: West Asian Connections," July 19, 2017-October 19, 2019
