Small Bowl with Inscription in Contour Panels

The bold decoration of this finely potted bowl belies its diminutive size. A benevolent Arabic inscription popular for ceramics of the Samanid era is here rendered in imposing, wedge-shaped Kufic script; it can be interpreted as “Blessings and favor to its owner” . Words or parts of words are enclosed in contour panels outlined in red and separated by fields of black dots, a decorative treatment typical of wares found in Afrasiyab. These panels surround slightly sketchy lines in black and red slip, which in turn enclose a motif of two circles joined at the center by a black dot with cruciform protruding lines. The black outline of the rim is alternately smooth and dentate. The exterior, including the flat, slightly concave base, is undecorated except for a covering of white slip and beautifully clear glaze. The bowl has been put back together from numerous fragments, with minimal plaster fills.