Fragmentary Bowl with Inscription

131 Fragmentary bowl with inscription Eastern Iran or Central Asia, Samanid period, 10th century[1] Reddish earthenware covered in white slip and painted with black (manganese and iron) under clear lead glaze 11.4 × 32.8 cm (4 1/2 × 12 15/16 in.) 2002.50.61 The inscription painted around the rim of this fragmentary bowl has thus far defied reading. It is possible that the many sherds from which the bowl was reconstructed before Norma Jean Calderwood purchased it were positioned incorrectly. During its subsequent cleaning and reassembly, several “alien” sherds were removed and retained for study.[2] In a few areas, the brownish-black slip has run slightly in the glaze towards the center of the bowl, which is decorated with a small revolving motif resembling the modern symbol for a hurricane. Except for the beveled base, which is only partially covered, the reddish ceramic fabric is enveloped in white slip under a clear glaze. Mary McWilliams [1] The bowl was last fired between 700 and 1200 years ago, according to the results of thermoluminescence analysis carried out by Oxford Authentication Ltd. in 2002. [2] See, in this volume, the discussion of reconstructing ceramic vessels from unrelated sherds in Anthony B. Sigel’s essay, “History in Pieces: Conservation Issues in Islamic Ceramics,” 37–49.