VesselsPersian13th century

Mina'i Bowl with Horsemen, Seated Figures and Harpies, and Pseudo-inscription around the Exterior

1200-1250

Description

Functional objects raised to the level of art through luxurious and imaginative manufacture offer a glimpse of the privilege enjoyed by members of the court and the wealthy merchant class. These bowls were decorated in a costly technique known as minaʾi (enameled) that required multiple firings in the kiln to ensure a range of colors. With precise application of a varied palette, minaʾi gave to ceramics the expressive potential of the book arts.

Classification

Vessels

Medium

Fritware with overglaze painted decoration in mina'i technique

Culture

Persian

Period

Seljuk-Atabeg period

Century

13th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

8.7 x 22.2 x 22.2 cm (3 7/16 x 8 3/4 x 8 3/4 in.)

Provenance

Sarah C. Sears collection, Boston, MA, (by 1935) by descent; to her daughter Mrs. J. D. Cameron Bradley, Boston, MA (1935-1936), gift; to Fogg Art Museum, 1936.