Collection de l’architecte iranien Mohsen Foroughi (1907-1983), Téhéran

Collection de Monsieur G.B., Paris, acquis auprès de ce dernier en décembre 1961

Puis par descendance

This fine and large bowl, decorated with a bird stretching its wings, is typical of productions from eastern Iran and Central Asia, between Nishapur and Afrasiyab (Samarkand), during the Samanid period. This type of ceramic, featuring slip-painted decoration or polychrome glazes over an engobe ground, is very often adorned with avian motifs, particularly wading birds. In this instance, however, the motif is in fact derived from Iraqi lustreware ceramics that were in vogue under the Abbasid Caliphate.

Few such pieces survive in good condition, and this bowl is particularly well preserved. Comparable dishes can be found in the Louvre Museum, attributed to the tenth–eleventh century (inv. MAO 860), another in the The David Collection (inv. 10/1975), dated to the tenth century, and a further example in the Linden Museum.