Islamic 'Master' Mould with Figural Decoration - GD.037R, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1100 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Earthenware. This type of mould is described as a ‘master’ mould. It was used to create multiple negative moulds that were then employed for making the actual vessels. The Barakat Collection also includes a turquoise glazed dish with an almost identical design (see item no. AMD.160). Each of the ten lobes features a human face- none of which are identical. Above the faces are alternating bands of strapwork and pairs of birds. The base is particularly interesting as it depicts a circle filled with strapwork- whereas most of the surviving bowls have a foot, there is no allowance for this on the mould. The iconography of the faces has not yet been adequately explained but they have been described as harpies. This mythical creature has a human face and the wings of a bird. It is extremely significant in Islamic tradition as the Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven with the aid of the harpy ‘Buraq.’

Antiquities
Ancient Near East