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Public Domain

Small Bowl Decorated with Pseudo-Kufic Script

Late 13th century

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Scroll

Small Bowl Decorated with Pseudo-Kufic Script

Late 13th century

Physical Qualities Fritware with dark blue decoration under turquoise blue glaze, 2 1/8 H x 4 3/4 Diam. in. (5.4 x 12.1 cm.)

Credit Line Gift of Richard and Elizabeth S. Ettinghausen in Memory of Adelyn D. Breeskin

Object Number 2013.204

Arabic, the language unifying the Islamic world for religious texts, figured also as decoration. Designs on ceramics produced in Iran between the 9th and 14th century sometimes included inscriptions or words written in Kufic, an especially adaptable script with several variants. This bowl was decorated with shapes that intentionally copied Foliated Kufic, a style developed during the 9th century. While meaningless, the design communicated the importance of the written word.

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
Collection installation, "Asia. The Art & Business of Writing", Levy Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art, October 5, 2023-