Bowl or Money Bank c. 1200

This turquoise glazed bowl or money bank was created by an anonymous artist. Money banks like this one were used throughout the Islamic world, often found in homes or shops, as a way to save coins. Inscriptions, like the ones seen here, were common and served as a way to ward off evil and bring good fortune to the owner. They offer us an understanding of the beliefs, values, and hopes of those who used them. This particular example might also reflect the social status of its owner. While undecorated vessels were common, the intricate designs and expensive materials of this piece may have been commissioned for someone of higher economic standing. Consider the relationship between our personal history and economic systems, how money functions as both a practical tool and a carrier of cultural meaning.