Ca. 900-1000 AD. A conical-shaped pottery bowl created by skilled artisans, this piece boasts a white slip base and is adorned with intricate, dark brown Kufic calligraphy around the central roundel. The decoration of Samanid pottery was highly stylized and often incorporated geometric patterns, floral motifs, and calligraphy. The calligraphy was often in the form of Kufic script, which was an early form of Arabic calligraphy. The Samanid dynasty was known for its patronage of artists, and many of the potters were highly skilled calligraphers as well. The use of Kufic script on Samanid pottery served not only as an aesthetic choice but also conveyed religious and cultural messages.Size: L:75mm / W:195mm ; 380gProvenance: Property of a London Islamic art specialist collector; previously in a collection formed since the 1980s.