Fragmentary Bowl with Inscription
10th century
Description
The inscription painted around the rim of this fragmentary bowl has thus far defied reading. It is possible that the many sherds from which the bowl was reconstructed before Norma Jean Calderwood purchased it were positioned incorrectly. During its subsequent cleaning and reassembly, several “alien” sherds were removed and retained for study. In a few areas, the brownish-black slip has run slightly in the glaze towards the center of the bowl, which is decorated with a small revolving motif resembling the modern symbol for a hurricane. Except for the beveled base, which is only partially covered, the reddish ceramic fabric is enveloped in white slip under a clear glaze.
Dimensions
11.4 x 32.8 cm (4 1/2 x 12 15/16 in.)
Provenance
[Mansour Gallery, London, 1972], sold; to Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood, Belmont, MA (1972-2002), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2002.
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