Thrown, red earthenware bowl incised through
white-slip beneath green glaze over whole; figure
on horseback occupies entire bowl; birds, in the
field; wave motif to rim. Superb condition, intact.
Ilkhanid or Timurid?
During 14th century Central Asia was the stage
for
great power transfers. Having usurped control
from
the Mongols
The 14th century marks a moment of great
change
in Central Asia as Timur, a Turco-Mongol leader
usurps control from the Mongols and establishes
himself as sovereign in AD 1369. Within 35 years
he
has included greater Iran and Iraq and parts of
southern Russia and the Indian subcontinent
within
Timurid domain.
The nomadic culture of Central Asia – a region
that
today denotes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan & Afghanistan - fused
with the settled culture of Iran and an entirely new
visual language emerged, inspired by Persian
culture
and serving to glorify the Timurid ruler and
articulate their commitment to Islam.
By bringing craftsmen from different conquered
lands to his capital in Samarkand, Timur ushered
in
one of the most brilliant periods in Islamic art.
There had been a tradition for incised ware in Iran
since 10th century. Scenes of figures on
horseback
are also depicted on Iranian ceramics of
preceding
centuries.
Ornate trappings and horse blanket constitute an
accurate historical index.
Design is well laid out. Lively and spontaneous;
by
comparison the earlier incised wares can look
mannered and laboured.
Drips of glaze to rim indicate bowl was fired
upside-
down.
Earthenware, represents the highpoint of this
technique just as it was being all but replaced in
the
Islamic world by the new frit-bodied wares during
13th century.
12th century saw a revival in Syria of decorated
earthenwares at the same time as the
introduction
of fritware.
Tradition for incised wares in Egypt during 14th
century. Mamluk?
Figural decoration becomes secondary during
this
time. Replaced by Mamluk heraldic designs and
inscriptions.
Close connection with contemporary metalwork.
- (LK.047)
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