Persian Ceramic Bowl

This ornate Persian bowl was found in Rhages, Iran and dates back to the sixth century B.C. It’s decorated with a polychromatic design, showing two musicians sitting by a tree, one playing the guitar. The rim of the bowl is lined with Arabic inscriptions.

Charles Allis often corresponded with art professionals at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum to make sure works he was interested in buying were authentic. On June 13, 1916, Dr. Frank W. Gunsaulus — a board member of the Art Institute of Chicago — favorably compared this Persian bowl to one in the Art Institute’s collection, saying he was particularly charmed with its perfect condition and design. Gunsaulus declared it absolutely genuine and one of the finest specimens he had ever seen.

This bowl was originally in the collection of Mirza Ali Ekbar of Tehran. Charles Allis purchased the bowl in Tabbagh in 1916.

Photography by Kevin Miyazaki.