Medieval Persian Earthenware Glazed Terracotta Sari-Ware Bowl
12-13th Century AD
18CM
Provenance – originally the property of a London collection acquired in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
bought at auction and now makes up part of the authors collection.
This bowl is “Sari ware,” the traditional term that refers to the town of Sari in northern Iran where it was previously assumed that pottery of this distinctive type was made. This has not been confirmed, and modern excavations have in fact shown that the type was made in Gorgan among other places.
Sari ware is known for its characteristic palette and monumental figurative depictions, especially of birds. Sari ware does not, however, have the same high quality as other Samanid pottery, and it is assumed that it was a fairly late, provincial product.
This particular Earthenware bowl has a bright blue glaze to its surface and not highly decorated which is common with Sari-Ware pottery.
Earthenware bowls covered with a bright blue slip 
Earthenware bowls covered with a bright blue slip