What is this?
This brightly colored, green ceramic bowl is decorated with an ornate design and central figure of a harpy. The creature in the center conveys power and elegance with its highly intricate details and striking depiction.
The front of the bowl is bordered with a repititive, vegetal design and swirling scrolls. This mezmerizing design surrounds and contains the powerful harpy. The harpy engages us directly with piercing almond eyes. She is crowned with a distinct three pointed crown and wears beaded earings. Her plumage is decorated with luxiourous detail including linear patterns and curlique designs. Despite all the luxury and elegance of the harpy's design, ferocious and vicious talons extend from her feet. Her head is at a tilt and her earrings mirror this swinging tilt as if she was in motion, possibly just landing or about to take off in flight. She is so powerful the vegetal vines around her sway in different directions.
The back of the bowl contrasts the front with its colors in inverse. A black, dark background foregrounds large six bright green curliques and hashtag-like designs. The simple design of the back of the bowl allows the front design to shine and be the center of attention.
Historically, the harpy motif has been invovled in menacing pasts by acting as a siren-like creature that lure men to their deaths. However, the harpy on this bowl was inspired by Islamic influence and would suggest health, happiness and prosperity. To learn more about the harpy motif on this bowl click here.