Persia, Kashan (modern Iran)

Full of colorful patterns and a design that seems to fear any empty space, this minai ware bowl (“minai” means enamel) features a stately Persian prince holding a ceremonial staff symbolic of authority. He is seated on a low throne in front of a fishpond and flanked by two attentive courtiers. Five attendants stand discreetly in the background. The haloes around the figures’ heads are for emphasis, rather than to indicate holiness.  The band of cobalt blue Arabic script around the rim is used purely for decorative purposes rather than to convey any information.

Glazed earthenware with enamel decoration, 13th century
Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1941.17