Lobed Bowl with Harpies

Period Seljuq Period (1037 - 1194)

Place of OriginProbably Kashan, Iran

DateLate 12th-early 13th century

DimensionsHeight: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Rim (Diameter): 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)
Base (Diameter): 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)

MediumGlazed earthenware with enamel decoration.

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1941.19

Not on View

DescriptionA thinly potted lobed bowl with a ridged foot and rim. Decorated in haft rang, seven-color polychrome technique. In the bottom of the bowl, two harpies in an elaborate roundel; around them in the cavetto an elaborate gold and turquoise festoon in low relief. Outside is undecorated except for a pale turquoise band with gilded circles.

Label TextThe lobed form of this bowl is also found in Islamic metalwork and glass. Two harpies, mythical birdwomen, appear at the center of the bowl.Exhibition History

London, Royal Academy, International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931, #180 P.

Ann Arbor, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Persian Art Before and After the Mongol Conquest, 1959, no. 80.