Swatow dish with Arabic calligraphy, China, late 16th century. photo courtesy Amir Mohtashemi Ltd

Painted with bands and circles of calligraphy in red and blue enamel. 36.5cm diameter. Price on request. 

Similar Swatow dishes can be found in the Aga Khan Collection, Topkapi Saray and the Dutch Princessehof Collection in Leeuwarden. 

Centre text  "When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest, 
And you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, 
Then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance. 
Text within blue rings 
Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, 
The Sovereign of mankind. 
The God of mankind, 
From the evil of the retreating whisperer - 
Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind - 
From among the jinn and mankind." 
Text middle ring 
Say, "He is Allah , [who is] One, 
Allah , the Eternal Refuge. 
He neither begets nor is born, 
Nor is there to Him any equivalent."

Amir Mohtashemi Ltd. 69 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BG United Kingdom. T +44 20 7937 4422 - F +44 20 7937 4411 - Mo-Fri 10.30-6:00 - info@amirmohtashemi.com