Bowl with Three Figures and Checkered Trees

32 Bowl with three figures and checkered trees Iran, Seljuk-Atabeg period, 12th–13th century Fritware painted with luster (copper and silver) over white lead alkali glaze opacified with tin 8 × 20.5 cm (3 1/8 × 8 1/16 in.) 2002.50.64 On this bowl a single figure is shown seated in the middle, with two smaller figures on the sides. The hand gestures and eye contact of the trio suggest that they are engaged in a meeting; the trees between them hint that it is taking place in a garden setting. The rendering of the trio’s physiognomy and richly patterned garments is typical of luster and mīnāʾ ī wares from Iran, as is the checkerboard foliage of the trees. The scalloped segments above and below the figural scene are filled with thick, undulating vines, defined in reserve against a gold ground. Around the inner rim runs an angular pseudo-inscription. The exterior of the bowl is decorated with double vertical lines and loose scrolls. The bowl has been put back together from several pieces, with only minor losses. Its pale-yellow luster surface has no sheen. Ayşin Yoltar-Yıldırım