Beaker with Seated Figures

Title:

Beaker with Seated Figures

Date:

late 12th-early 13th century (Seljuq (?))

Description:

Mina’i is a modern collectors’ term for ceramics made in Iran during the late 12th to early 13th centuries. The term mina’i, translates as “enamelled” in Persian, designating the colored glass pigments used to paint detailed figural decoration on vessels or tiles, which were then fixed on the ceramic base by multiple firings. The use of a wide range of colors, including turquoise, red, green, purple, and black, also led these types of ceramics to be called by the Persian term “haft rang,” or “seven colors.” Mina’i ware scenes often depict courtly pursuits, such as feasting, fighting, or poetry and music performances. These colorful compositions created complex narrative scenes which paralleled manuscript painting. These colorful compositions created complex narrative scenes which paralleled manuscript painting. This footed beaker’s exterior features a pattern of nine seated figures, a few of which are playing instruments for a seated audience. A band of geometric leave shapes marks the lower register, and a pseudo kufic inscription encircles both the interior and exterior rims of the beaker.For the latest information about this object, goblets; beakers (vessels), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:

Type:

ceramics

Type (Narrower):

Other Objects

Type (Broader):

Object

Subject:

Culture:

Provenance:

Dikran Kelekian, Paris and New York, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1929, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Medium:

fritware, turquoise underglaze, black, blue, dark green, red, and white overglaze enamel, with traces of gilding

Extent:

Dimensions: H: 4 3/16 x Diam: 4 5/16 in. (10.6 x 11 cm)

Rights:

Public Domain

Identifier:

48.1234

Is part of:

ISL
Islamic Art

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