An Abbasid Lustre Bowl with geometric pattern, Iraq, 9th century

the earthenware body of deep rounded form with an everted rim, painted in earth-hued lustre tones on an opaque white glaze, decorated with geometric patterns emanating from a flower in the centre, the exterior with spotted splashes of colour, old label to reverse: "Islamic Art Circle Exhibition, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1969, Cat.no.21."

ex-Croisier Collection, Switzerland

Islamic pottery 800-1400 AD, an exhibition arranged by the Islamic Art Circle, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1 October-30 November 1969.
Céramiques du Monde Musulman, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, 1999.

Islamic pottery 800-1400 AD, an exhibition arranged by the Islamic Art Circle, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1 October-30 November 1969.
Céramiques du Monde Musulman, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, 1999, p.91.

In fairly good condition, once broken and restored with associated overpainting and some minor areas with plaster infill, parts of surface rubbed as consistent with age, as viewed.
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This bowl's elegant curvilinear shape, with a very low base and rounded edges that fit perfectly in the hands, derives from earlier Chinese models. It demonstrates the influence of Chinese pottery on Near Eastern ceramic production, from material to shape.