Jar with poetic inscriptions

Lustrous glazed ceramics like this one first appeared in 9th-century Iraq in imitation of more expensive silver and gold vessels. The refined calligraphy on this vessel comprises verses of romantic poetry and good wishes to the vessel’s owner. The poetic inscriptions and ornate vegetal designs rendered in shimmering gold-colored luster would have appealed to the wealthy middle class who could afford such luxury ceramics.

(2015)