TWO SMALL LUSTRE-PAINTED POTTERY CUPS
Abbasid Iraq, Mesopotamia, 9th - 10th century

Each of shallow rounded shape, resting on a short circular foot, rising to a gently everted rim, the earthenware body of each cup painted in lustre on an opaque white glaze, decorated with traditional Abbasid ceramic motifs including a stylised floral medallion with four almond-shaped petals irradiating from the centre, set in reserve against a dotted background, and a large bird occupying the centre and cavetto, flanked by two drop-shaped leaves or small cypress trees, each exterior plain, each cup approx. 8.5cm diam. and 3cm high.