Small bowl with birds and geometrical designs

Birds were a favorite decorative motif in Persian ceramics of this period, and these two plump, long-necked birds are charming examples. The broad, quick strokes used to create the birds' bodies and abstract motifs, along with the bold application of yellow, green, and black, are classic characteristics of tenth-century buffwares. This bowl is rare and interesting for its unusual combination of birds set within a formal decorative scheme divided into quadrants. It is more common to see birds alone or in a kaleidoscopic arrangement, like the goats in B60P1897. The grid pattern of abstract, four-lobed motifs in the present bowl may be inspired by compositions from ninth century luster-painted pottery.