Fritware bowl, with polychrome decoration and gold leaf in and over an opaque, white glaze. Minai type
Iran, Kashan; c. 1200
H: 8.5 cm; Diam: 20.5 cm
Among the group of motifs that could be termed princely leisure activities, “the seated couple” was very popular and was found in many different contexts in the Islamic Middle Ages.
Haloes around their faces and tiraz bands on their sleeves show that the two figures belong to the highest level of society. The scenes often feature a man and a woman drinking wine and making music. In this case, however, two men are seated. An unusually realistic detail in the foreground shows that the situation is a relaxed one: a tray with a wine carafe and a glass turned upside down placed between the two men.
Inv. no. 1/1966
Published in:
André Leth: Davids Samling. Islamisk kunst = The David Collection. Islamic Art, København 1975, p. 60;
Art from the World of Islam. 8th-18th century, Louisiana, Humlebæk 1987, cat.no. 100;
Kjeld von Folsach: Islamic art. The David Collection, Copenhagen 1990, cat.no.112;
Kjeld von Folsach, Torben Lundbæk and Peder Mortensen (eds.): Sultan, Shah and Great Mughal: the history and culture of the Islamic world, The National Museum, Copenhagen 1996, cat.no. 144;
Kjeld von Folsach: Art from the World of Islam in The David Collection, Copenhagen 2001, cat.no. 167;
