Bowl with calligraphic decoration c. 10th century

This bowl with calligraphic decoration was likely made somewhere in the Islamic world, using ceramic material and the technique of slip painting. The process begins with shaping the earthenware, then coating it with a white slip to provide a smooth ground for decoration. Next, the calligraphic and floral motifs were painted, using dark slip. This bowl required both a steady hand and a deep understanding of the calligraphic forms. Lastly, the piece would have been fired in a kiln to vitrify the clay and set the decoration. The labor involved in creating this bowl reflects a highly developed division of labor, from the mining of the clay to the final firing. The exquisite design and refined execution suggests this bowl was intended for a wealthy patron. Considering the materials, making process, and the social context, we can appreciate the full depth of this seemingly simple bowl, challenging the divisions between art, craft, and social history.