A Rare Samanid Pottery Cup with Kufic inscription Nishapur or Afrasiyab, 9th century Earthenware cup with c-shaped ear, covered in a dark brown slip before receiving an as yet unread, white kufic inscription (possibly containing blessings). Vessels like these have been associated with Nishapur and Afrasiyab. Diam: 10.5 cm, Height: 5 cm. Provenance: Private UK Collection. Reference: For a similar style cup/bowl with similar inscription, see the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, Inventory number: SM 1996 – 102 Catalogue Note: Samanid potters can be credited with the invention and perfection of slip-painted pottery – in which clarity of design was achieved by painting brownish pigment mixed with slip on a white engobe which is painted over the red earthenware. These ceramics are amongst the first pieces produced in the Islamic world where epigraphy is the sole ornament. Large numbers of them were excavated at Nishapur and Samarqand (Afrasiyab) and although none is dated, they are roughly datable to the 10th century and a period that corresponds to Samanid rule (874-1005). CONDITION: Repaired