Albarello Jar with an Aphorism, 10th century, Central Asia, Samarkand, Samanid period (819–1005). Earthenware with underglaze decoration. Diameter: 9.7 cm; Overall: 13 cm. The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund 1996.298.

The albarello was a jar designed to hold ointments and drugs for pharmacists. They were produced in the Middle East and Spain, as well as late medieval and Renaissance Italy. Albarellos are usually painted with floral, vegetal, or geometric designs. Arabic inscriptions are less common but here the elegant text reads: “Modesty [comes] from faith, and faith [comes] from Paradise,” attributed to the Prophet Muhammad.