10th C. Nishapur Glazed Pottery Censer, TL Tested
Medieval Near East and Western / Central Asia, Persia (Iran), Nishapur, ca. 10th to early 13th century CE. A stunning censer vessel of a broad, bulbous form that is covered in green and blue-green glaze that exudes a high luster. The circular body showcases three rows with dozens of openwork rectangular perforations with downward triangular serrations that enable the aromatic incense to escape. The upper shoulder is adorned with intricate linear details beneath the thick rim, and the circular mouth suggests the vessel was adorned with a lid at one time. Delicate vessels like this example were suggestive of the wealth and status of a particular family or place of worship, and the colorful glazing helped to amplify those perceptions. Entrancing layers of silvery and rainbow-hued iridescence have developed over the glazed surfaces and opulently complement this resplendent vessel. Size: 7.625" W x 6.8" H (19.4 cm x 17.3 cm)
Nishapur was a center of politics and culture in medieval Persia, and their pottery is some of the most unique and beautiful we see from this time period. These items are the result of technological innovation at the end of the 10th century. The glaze is alkaline, with a copper base to give it its color, and would be poured over the clay. These pieces may have been inspired by the green celadon glazed pottery that travelled the Silk Road from Tang Dynasty China, but the end result here is clearly not just an imitation, but an entirely different, radical style developed in Nishapur.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private California, USA collection, by descent, moved from Germany in 1997, originally collected in the 1970s in Hamburg, Germany
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#155964
Condition Report: Original lid missing. Minor abrasions and nicks to body, rim, and foot, with heavy encrustations, and fading and chipping to areas of glaze, otherwise intact and excellent. Great earthen deposits, remains of original glaze color, and iridescence throughout. One TL drill hole beneath foot.
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Medieval Near East and Western / Central Asia, Persia (Iran), Nishapur, ca. 10th to early 13th century CE. A stunning censer vessel of a broad, bulbous form that is covered in green and blue-green glaze that exudes a high luster. The circular body showcases three rows with dozens of openwork rectangular perforations with downward triangular serrations that enable the aromatic incense to escape. The upper shoulder is adorned with intricate linear details beneath the thick rim, and the circular mouth suggests the vessel was adorned with a lid at one time. Delicate vessels like this example were suggestive of the wealth and status of a particular family or place of worship, and the colorful glazing helped to amplify those perceptions. Entrancing layers of silvery and rainbow-hued iridescence have developed over the glazed surfaces and opulently complement this resplendent vessel. Size: 7.625" W x 6.8" H (19.4 cm x 17.3 cm)
Nishapur was a center of politics and culture in medieval Persia, and their pottery is some of the most unique and beautiful we see from this time period. These items are the result of technological innovation at the end of the 10th century. The glaze is alkaline, with a copper base to give it its color, and would be poured over the clay. These pieces may have been inspired by the green celadon glazed pottery that travelled the Silk Road from Tang Dynasty China, but the end result here is clearly not just an imitation, but an entirely different, radical style developed in Nishapur.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private California, USA collection, by descent, moved from Germany in 1997, originally collected in the 1970s in Hamburg, Germany
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#155964
Condition Report: Original lid missing. Minor abrasions and nicks to body, rim, and foot, with heavy encrustations, and fading and chipping to areas of glaze, otherwise intact and excellent. Great earthen deposits, remains of original glaze color, and iridescence throughout. One TL drill hole beneath foot.
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