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Bowl with Four Human Figures around a
Horse and Cheetah, 10th Century, Nishapur, Iran.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Nishapur Figural Bowl
900s
Iran, Nishapur, Samanid period
(819–1005)
Earthenware with underglaze decoration
Overall: 8 x 35.6 cm (3 1/8 x 14 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1959.249
DESCRIPTION
Nishapur was founded as a Sasanian imperial city and ceramics produced here regularly incorporate elements from Sasanian metalware. The lively decoration on this bowl features four bearded figures surrounded by animals, birds, and angular script (possibly extending baraka, blessing). The central horse with a cheetah on his back suggests an imperial hunt, a common theme in Sasanian and Islamic art. The decorative motifs and figures employed on Nishapur polychrome ware reflect the rich cultural traditions in this part of northeastern Iran. Some vessels, like this one, depict the pastime of hunting, others reflect festivals celebrated by Muslims and Zoroastrians, and a few display Christian symbols.
Source: Cleveland Museum of Art
This splendid bowl features four figures surrounded by animals, birds, and angular script (possibly extending baraka, blessing). The central horse with a cheetah on his back suggests an imperial hunt.
Cleveland Museum of Art on archive.org
