Kashan Lustre Bowl Analysis

The desire for the finer things in life is eternal, and the strive for beauty and elegance can be seen in all ages. In regards to Islamic pottery, the elaborate and decorative nature of pieces from Kashan cannot be beaten. Now I will analyze a specific production from Kashan, a lustre bowl produced during the Seljuq Period (11th to 13th centuries), labeled as “Object D-12” in the UCSB Jewel Room and depicted below: In this image one can see the same line of eyebrows, drawn out eyes, and thin lips on the center figure that can also be seen on the polo player of Object D-12. Both men also have a halo surrounding them, enshrining them with a sense of importance and holiness. In this piece, dated at the early 13th century, the center figure appears
The pseudo- writing was a popular trademark of Kashan art. Another example can be seen in the image below, which depicts another bowl of the early 13th century. The above example is especially relevant considering the presence of figures, floral designs, and Kufic inscriptions were exceedingly rare in Kashan styles (Fehevari116). While the exact translation of either bowl is unknown, since Kufic was most commonly used in the reproduction of Qu’ran passages, it is likely that the inscriptions relate in some manner to religion. The incorporation of figures with religious statements could indicate a merging of religion and popular culture and more importantly the government. Since Kashan pottery was fine ware the intermingling of central figures and religion could be a statement regarding the relationship between society and religion, and the presence of God in interaction. While I have already established the political relevance that Object D-12 may have had, the Kufic inscription underscores my earlier claim and again ties the concept of centrality to the
Though there is no denying the political weight that this bowl bears, the polo player also highlights a culture of leisure and joy. Polo was a massively enjoyed and respected hobby that the Qabusnama hails as “…suitable occupations for powerful men, especially in youth…” (Peacock 300). The Seljuq Empire encouraged such pastimes and leisure in the men of the area, and the presence of a polo player on Object D-12 is an example of how everyday objects were used to advertise the celebration of the joy of the Seljuqs. Considering that the purchasers of such a bowl were almost undoubtedly wealthy, the depiction of a polo player is also a compliment to the customer, many of whom were polo players. By showing a polo player in such respectable garb and on a fine bowl, the importance of the polo players was inflated and manipulated to propagate more sales and the wealth of the empire. Through Object D-12, happiness was associated with the empire, with wealth, and with fine