NISHAPUR POTTERY BOWL WITH A BIRD

Ca. 900-1000 AD
This pottery bowl boasts a broad and rather shallow body, standing on a low ring foot. At the center of the bowl, we find a left-facing bird, possibly a peacock, with a strikingly alert tail that seems to dance with joy and life. Painted in a rich and warm brown hue, the bird displays intricate details that reveal the skill and mastery of the artist's hand. Its feathers ripple and shimmer in the light, adding to the bird's beauty and liveliness. The background against which the bird is set features a warm and inviting yellow color that reminds one of the golden rays of the sun. This color fills the space around the bird, providing a harmonious and balanced backdrop that enhances the bird's beauty and grace. The background, however, is not simply a solid color; it is adorned with stunning red and brown decorations that evoke the intricate patterns and motifs of Islamic art. The peacock is a beloved motif in Islamic medieval art and appears in various forms and styles throughout different regions and periods. In Islamic culture, the peacock is associated with beauty, pride, and resurrection, and it is often depicted with an extravagant tail of feathers that symbolizes divine power and grandeur. The peacock image can be seen in various media, including pottery, textiles, and manuscript illuminations.
Size: L:50mm / W:170mm ; 250g
Provenance: Private London collection; ex. UK art market prior to 2000.
Estimate: GBP 810 - 1620