Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

Kashan Lustre Ewer with Fluted Body - AMD.170, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1250 AD, Dimensions: 12.8" (32.5cm) high x 7.3" (18.5cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art,  More »

Kashan Lustre Ewer with Fluted Body - AMD.170, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1250 AD, Dimensions: 12.8" (32.5cm) high x 7.3" (18.5cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Kashan, Medium: Fritware, Condition: Restored. The inscription reads: In cursive, in Arabic: "Perpetual Glory, and increasing Prosperity, and triumphant Victory...", In cursive, in Persian: "The good world became young, God's willing. So that the tears of the heart is taken through.   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

Green Glazed Earthenware Bowl - AMD.172, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 700 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 4.7" (11.9cm) high x 8.4" (21.3cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium:  More »

Green Glazed Earthenware Bowl - AMD.172, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 700 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 4.7" (11.9cm) high x 8.4" (21.3cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Glazed Earthenware. The incised wares of Eastern Ancient Iran (present day Afghanistan) have only emerged in fairly recent archeological publications. They represent a very widespread and diverse manufacture. Significant quantities have survived in very good condition, like the associated fritwares.   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

Kashan 'Lajvardina' Lustre Bowl - AMD.174, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.9" (9.9cm) high x 8.2" (20.8cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art,  More »

Kashan 'Lajvardina' Lustre Bowl - AMD.174, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.9" (9.9cm) high x 8.2" (20.8cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Lajvardina, Medium: Fritware. Lajvardina ware is the Mongol continuation of the beautiful and regal Minai technique. It is so called because of the usual dark blue glaze which is reminiscent to the stone lapis lazuli (lajvardina, in Persian). The graceful figurative painting and delicate coloring techniques are replaced by bold colors and robust shapes and intricate designs that are generally abstract scrollwork and arabesques and geometric designs from cut gold leaf. Here a white glaze with blue radial panels forms a simple cross shape with intricate details. They replace the normal dark blue glaze, giving a lighter more delicate appearance, though the geometrical layout and textured paneling are characteristic of lajvardina wares. Ceramics such as this piece and those from the Mongol Palace at Takht-i Suleiman, provide us with true guides to the qualities of original lajvardina decoration.   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

Bamiyan 'Sgraffiato' Dish - AMD.175, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1000 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 2.6" (6.6cm) high x 15.5" (39.4cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style:  More »

Bamiyan 'Sgraffiato' Dish - AMD.175, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1000 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 2.6" (6.6cm) high x 15.5" (39.4cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Sgraffiato Ware, Medium: Buff Earthenware. According to the historian ‘Ala al-Din ‘Ata- Malik Juvayni d. 1283 AD the city of Bamiyan suffered great retribution in 1221-2 AD at the hands of the Mongol Emperor Chingiz Khan, because his favorite grandson Mutugen, son of Chaghatay was killed in that city. Chingiz Khan gave orders that every living creature should be killed and no prisoners be taken; and that henceforth no living creature should inhabit the place henceforth. Such a catastrophe might be good reason for the number of preserved pieces found from that area.   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less