Fragmentary Bowl with Pseudo-Arabic inscription (DO BZ.1985.23)
This oval ceramic bowl epitomizes Islamic ceramics often imitated by crusading Christians during the Byzantine period. The pseudo-Kufic (Arabic) inscription on the inner part of the ceramic provides evidence that this bowl was manufactured by a Byzantine artist, not an individual with knowledge of the Arabic language. This attempt at re-transcribing Arabic hints at the fascination Byzantine Crusaders had for Islamic art. The quartered cobalt and gold luster inner inscriptions visually correspond to known Islamic art of the 13th-14th century, further supporting Byzantine Crusaders’ admiration of the art style. The lusterware and pictorial design on the inner part of the bowl suggest that this bowl was used decoratively in one’s home and not purposed for everyday use.