Fritware dish covered with an olive-green slip and painted in white and blue under a transparent glaze. Iran, Kerman (?); 17th century. Diam: 46 cm. Inv. no. 16/2010. The David Collection.  Photo Pernille Klemp © THE DAVID COLLECTION

From the 13th century, Chinese celadon ceramics were imported to Iran, where dishes and bowls with this green glaze enjoyed great popularity in wealthy circles, among other things because it was believed that they would change color or even break if they came in contact with poison.

As early as the 14th century, potters in Iran began to imitate this costly type of imported ware. In the 17th century, when this monumental dish was made, it was no longer a question of simple copies. The green glaze was now combined with Iranian ornamentation, in this case a spider’s-web fine and exceedingly elegant plant decoration.