A fine group of Nishapur splash-glaze wares, Persia, 10th century

one large plate with flattened rim, three large dishes and two smaller dishes all of truncated conical form, decorated with geometrical and stylised foliate designs incised through a cream slip ground and enhanced with copper-green, iron-yellow and manganese-purple lead glaze splashes

The origins of splash ware bowls of this kind is a subject of heated academic debate. Whilst there is suggestion that they are derived from Chinese Tang splashed earthenware discovered in Samarra in the 9th century, it is also evident that wares of this kind retain a distinct style whose genesis originates from within the Islamic world.

Bowls of this kind were made using a mixture of lead glaze and metallic oxide colourants, they typically have a design incised through the slip and a distinct running of colour which would occur during the firing process.

For related pieces and a discussion on splashed wares of this kind, see Ceramics From Islamic Lands, London, 2004, p.202-203.