A Samanid calligraphic slip-painted pottery Bowl. East Persia, 10th Century

composed of fragments mounted to form a bowl, painted in manganese on a white ground with inscriptions in kufic. 33.5 cm. diam. Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000

Footnote: Inscriptions in kufic probably consist of: wa ma kathir alfa alf musahib wa an,.. al-kathic, ‘And what is abundant is an intimate companion and if …. it is abundant’.

Bonhams. Islamic & Indian Art, 2 Apr 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com (Copyright © 2002-2009 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)