Shirazi Bowl

This large ceramic bowl was signed and dated by the craftsman Ali Akbar Shirazi in 1262 A.H. (A.D. 1845) and was produced in Iran during the Qajar dynasty (1789-1925) in a period when there was a conscious effort to revive localized ceramic crafts.

The bowl’s production refers to Shiraz in the province of Fars as its place of manufacture, a point deduced from the craftsman’s place of origin (Shirazi) and the patron’s role in having opened a porcelain factory in Fars. The object’s dimensions are 11.7 by 31.1 centimeters.

The exterior is decorated by three vignettes drawing on stories and characters from Iranian and European artistic and literary traditions framed by floral patterns inspired by Chinese famille rose. The interior features the imperial emblem of the Lion and Sun of Persia in the center, encircled in a continuous band containing a Persian inscription. Two additional bands comprised of Chinese-style floral, animal and figural motifs, encircle the inscription.