12th Century Syrian Bowl (Peacock Motif)

Hi, my name is Aliza Sovani. I am returning to Carleton University as a 4th year Architecture Student after spending a semester on exchange in Istanbul, Turkey and a 12-month cooperative education term.

A group of artifacts that interest me a great deal are the Syrian Bowls that date back to the 12^th century.

These elaborately decorated bowls often depicted images of a peacock as the main motif. This artifact interests me for two main reasons. Firstly, because of the technique of this particular bowl and secondly, because of the symbolism associated with the use of the peacock. On the bowl shown below, the tail feathers resemble a wide band elaborately decorated with foliated Arabic calligraphy and scrolling motifs. The bowl consists of a stonepaste body painted in lustre on an opaque white glaze (diameter of 24.3cm.)

In the 12^th century, like today, Syria was a part of the Islamic World. In Islam, the peacock is associated with Paradise and royalty; it is often depicted standing guard at the gates of Paradise.

The use of a peacock has held meaning for many cultures and religions over time. In Greek Mythology it is said that Zeus’s wife Hera discovered her trusted watchman dead after Hermes killed him according to Zeus’ orders; upon finding her watchman dead Hera took all 100 of his eyes and put them on the tail of a peacock. In China, the peacocks became a symbol of the Ming Dynasty. The Chinese equated the peacock with divinity, rank, beauty and power. In a source I found it is even stated that “some believe that the peacock was ejected from Paradise with Adam and Eve, which is why its cries sound so mournful.’ This could explain why in Europe, during the time of Marie Antoinette, the peacock’s scream was considered an evil omen (she wore a peacock’s feather in her hair anyway!)

Animal motifs on ancient artifacts interest me a great deal due to the differences in symbolism depending on the region such artifact hails from.