A Samanid Pottery Bowl, Central Asia or North East Iran, 10th Century

A Samanid Pottery Bowl, Central  Asia or North East Iran, 10th Century

Of conical form on short foot, the white interior with an elegant black kufic inscription divided into four panels, the centre with a small circle, the exterior plain, repaired breaks. 13½in. (34.4cm.) diam. Estimate £30,000 - £50,000

Notes: The inscription reads al-haya , shu'ba min , al-iman wa , al-iman [fi al-janna] (Modesty is a branch of faith and faith [is in paradise]).

Christie's. Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds 31 March 2009 . London, King Street. www.christies.com Image 2009 Christie's Ltd