Bamiyan Glazed Bowl - AMD.86, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1100 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.3" (8.4cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Bamiyan, Medium: Fritware. These Turquoise glazed molded wares form a distinct group of pottery, unified by their fabric, shapes, techniques of making and decorating and their motifs. These wares are made in molds many examples of which have been excavated at very well preserved sites complete with intact kilns. They show ornament in relief on the interior of small bowls. During the manufacturing process, the bowls were generally stacked on tripods which usually left distinctive scars on the inside of the bowls. What distinguishes this bowl is the lack of any such marks and the decorative and structural perfection of this piece. This bowl is decorated with the image of a stylized lion or similar wild cat. He has a fearsome face and is clearly roaring. A powerful paw extends beneath him and propels him around the bowl. One can also clearly make out his rear leg and tail. Where the first lion ends the same image is repeated across the second half of the bowl. The top edge of the bowl is decorated with strikes of purple glaze.

Antiquities
Ancient Near East