On the surface of this Nishabur earthenware plate, an intricate pattern of interlaced lines unfolds—crimson knots that, without beginning or end, continuously intertwine in perpetual motion. Inspired by the ancient tradition of geometric ornamentation, these motifs conceal within them a secret of timelessness and eternity. &nbsp;The colors narrate harmony and contrast. The dark background accentuates the crimson knots, while the delicate white tracery along the rim lends a balanced grace. This deliberate chromatic composition not only guides the viewer's gaze to the center of the design but also attests to the mastery of Nishabur's potters, who meticulously crafted this vessel with a blend of finesse and resilience. &nbsp;The plate's border is adorned with undulating waves—like an ever-flowing river, they immortalize the concept of dynamism and movement within the clay. The rhythmic dots encircling the edge lend coherence to the design, rescuing it from chaos. &nbsp;

Infinite knots

On the surface of this ancient plate, two intertwined birds are depicted, as if suspended in a celestial dance or whispering words of love. Their feathers, rendered in warm and vibrant hues—red, brown, green, and black—come to life beneath a translucent glaze, immortalized like traces of imagination and artistry. &nbsp;Geometric patterns and meticulous dotted lines lend a dreamlike quality to this piece, as if the Nishapuri potter carved not just a vessel, but a story—a tale of flight, companionship, and an unbreakable bond. &nbsp;In Persian culture, birds symbolize freedom, love, and divine messages. These two birds may embody life’s companions—two souls soaring together on the wings of joy and hope. &nbsp;Now housed in a private collection in Berlin, this plate is more than mere earthenware; it is a narrative that has traversed centuries to still whisper tales of beauty and tenderness to the soul. &nbsp;

the two birds plate

This Nishapuri earthenware plate, a masterpiece from the 9th to 10th centuries CE, depicts the image of a warrior horseman. Against a yellow background, the warrior sits atop his horse, wearing a patterned cloak and holding a sword or weapon, his expression resolute and commanding. Surrounding him are floral motifs, birds, and animals, alongside symbolic lines, all reflecting the mythical and epic world of Persian art. &nbsp;The horse, always a symbol of power, nobility, and grandeur in Iranian culture, emphasizes the importance of valor and resilience in the face of challenges. Artistic details, such as the colored squares on the rider’s clothing and the black-and-white stripes on the horse’s body, showcase the exceptional skill of the potters of that era, who could create deeply meaningful works using the simplest colors and forms. &nbsp;Today, this plate is housed in the National Museum of Iran in Tehran and remains one of the finest examples of Nishapur art, continuing to narrate the ancient Persian spirit of chivalry, endurance, and aesthetic brilliance. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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