What is this?
The brightly colored object is a green ceramic bowl that is decorated with an ornate design and the striking central figure of a harpy. The ceramic bowl was made in the 13th century, around the year 1250 in a Byzantine area near the Black Sea.
The back of the bowl contrasts the front with its colors in inverse. A black background foregrounds large six bright green curliques and hashtag-like designs. The front of the bowl includes a repitive pattern of curliques and organic shapes around the border. The large Harpy figure takes up most of the central composition. Her dominating presence is echoed with her large three-pointed crown and heavily decorated plumage. She is adorned with luxurious earings that appear to be swinging and has ferocious talons extending from her feet. Vines sway and bend around the figure.