persian horsman 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.  

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.  

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.