Large Bowl
late 12th–early 13th century
Object Placeprobably Kashan, Iran
Medium/TechniqueFritware (stone paste), opaque white glaze with lustre decoration
DimensionsHeight x diameter: 12.7 x 49.2 cm (5 x 19 3/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Montgomery Sears in memory of her son J. M. Sears
Accession number09.103
On View
Not on viewClassificationsCeramics
Collections
In the medieval Islamic world, the study of heavenly bodies, the calculation of their movements, and the prediction of their effects on human lives were important sciences. Visual representations related to astronomy and astrology frequently appeared on a wide range of objects, such as this bowl decorated with astrological symbols. The seven roundels at the center of this bowl represent the celestial spheres that medieval astronomers deemed closest to earth. The twelve roundels in the outer band contain signs of the Zodiac.
ProvenanceSaid to have been found near Sultanabad, Iran [see note 1]. Dikran Kelekian (b. 1868 - d. 1951), New York; sold by Kelekian to Sarah Choate (Mrs. J. Montgomery) Sears (b. 1858 - d. 1935), Boston; 1909, gift of Mrs. J. Montgomery Sears to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 9, 1909)NOTES:
[1] MFA Bulletin, Vol. 8, No. 43 (Feb. 1910), pp. 1-3.
about 1200
13th century
late 17th century or later
1262 A.D./ 660 A.H.
about 1250
early 13th century
1310 A.D./ A.H. 710
early 13th century
12th–13th century
17th–18th century