Flat-Rimmed Bowl with Radial Design

Radial lines divide the interior of this bowl into twelve sections, which are decorated with three different designs—foliate motifs, cursive forms, and series of dots and fine lines. A narrow band encircles the bowl just under the flat, patterned rim. Circling the upper exterior is a cobalt-blue pseudo-inscription; below this is another band containing black scrollwork roundels.The foliate and line-and-dot motifs of this bowl, as well as the use and placement of cobalt, recall the lusterwares of the Seljuk-Atabeg period. Those prestigious vessels likely provided design inspiration for less expensive underglaze-painted wares like this one, which typifies Ilkhanid bowls in shape and decoration. Although the glaze has suffered abrasion and is cracked in several places, the bowl itself is intact.