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Bowl with a Figure and Birds

10th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
Common among the buff ware bowls that depict human figures are those holding drinking vessels. In this case, a man wearing a green tunic under a multi-colored, skirt-like garment holds a fluted goblet in his right hand. The imagery on these bowls is thought to derive from metalwork of the Sasanian period (3rd to 7th century) in Iran. The distinctive yellow and green glazes of the buff ware group are particularly well-preserved on this example.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bowl with a Figure and Birds
  • Date: 10th century
  • Geography: From Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Earthenware; polychrome decoration under transparent glaze (buff ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
    Diam. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
  • Object Number: 38.40.290
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Animal-Spouted Pitcher, Earthenware; polychrome decoration under transparent glaze (buff ware)
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Bowl with Inscription, "Sovereignty is God's"
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