Bowl with Courtly Scene c. 1180 - 1220

This 12th-century ceramic bowl from the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a fine example of lusterware, a technique popular in the Middle East, where metallic pigments were applied to the surface of the ceramic piece to create a shimmering effect. The bowl features a repeating pattern of courtly figures, likely from a royal court scene, as well as black cursive script along the rim, likely an inscription in Arabic. The use of vivid colors against the white background makes this piece a stunning example of the rich artistic traditions of this period.