Bowl with Three Figures and Checkered Trees
12th-13th century
Description
On this bowl a single figure is shown seated in the middle, with two smaller figures on the sides. The hand gestures and eye contact of the trio suggest that they are engaged in a meeting; the trees between them hint that it is taking place in a garden setting. The rendering of the trio’s physiognomy and richly patterned garments is typical of luster and minai wares from Iran, as is the checkerboard foliage of the trees. The scalloped segments above and below the figural scene are filled with thick, undulating vines, defined in reserve against a gold ground. Around the inner rim runs an angular pseudo-inscription.The exterior of the bowl is decorated with double vertical lines and loose scrolls. The bowl has been put back together from several pieces, with only minor losses. Its pale-yellow luster surface has no sheen.
Dimensions
8 x 20.5 cm (3 1/8 x 8 1/16 in.)
Provenance
[Mansour Gallery, London, 1972], sold; to Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood, Belmont, MA (1972-2002), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2002.
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