Art Institute of Chicago

Inscribed Bowl with a Duck

Iran

Date

Timurid dynasty (1370–1507), Late 15th century

Medium

Fritware, painted in black under a transparent turquoise glaze

Culture

Iran

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The rule of the Timurids (1307-1507) brought increased economic and artistic interaction between Iran and China, and the ceramics produced during this time are strong examples of this exchange. Although the color scheme of this bowl reflects the 12th-century Iranian practice of decorating with black under a turquoise glaze, the imagery certainly owes much to Chinese models. The form of the central duck surrounded by stylized cloud formations borrows from contemporary Chinese ceramics and painting traditions. Timur, the founder of the Timurid dynasty, championed these types of exchanges, as he had originally assembled a diverse array of artisans from conquered lands to reside at his court and create stunning works of art in every medium.This bowl has been attributed to the latter part of the Timurid dynasty and has also been referred to as Kubachi ware. Kubachi ware refers to a group of ceramics found in the town of Kubachi, which is located in modern-day Russia. Despite their place of discovery, these ceramics were not necessarily produced in Kubachi. Rather, they were most likely crafted at other centers known for their artistic production during the medieval period.

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