The “why”:
This bowl was made to imitate traditional Islamic art with an Arabic inscription. Arabic inscriptions in Islamic art were not uncommon, for the language was very important to Muslims. It is certain that this is an imitation of an Arabic inscription, for if the potter knew Arabic, they would have been able to copy the script. The pseudo form of Arabic was instead used, hinting that the potter had no knowledge of Arabic. 

Even though some traditional Islamic art pieces included pseudo-Arabic, having this particular bowl included would not have been logical. Using the pseudo form in Islamic artwork would be for a protective element, such as in a rug where the Arabic would be stepped on. This bowl was decorative, so having a built-in protective element would not have been included.  

The “how”:
Before the creation of slip and lusterware techniques, most ceramics were made with a purpose other than being an ornament of beauty. Practicality overruled aesthetic decoration, so most ceramic bowls were used for food or everyday household use. In occurrences where the bowl would be decorative, the bowl would not be as aesthetically pleasing as the bowls that were to come when slip and lusterware were to be utilized. 

Once slip and lusterware ceramics became the norm, pottery transitioned from being practical to being aesthetically pleasing. This transformation meant that most ceramics were being made as a piece of art. These pieces of ceramic art would require considerable time and effort, including monetary investments, to create.

With that being said, the “Fragmentary Ceramic Bowl…” would have been used as a decoration in one’s home or in an establishment unbeknown. It would not have been used practically, for the lusterware would degrade, and the piece would lose its value.