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

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.