Bowl with Arabic Proverb late 10th-11th century This large bowl is decorated with a calligraphic design reading Forbearance is at first bitter to the taste, but in the end sweeter than honey. Blessing.” Arabic proverbs appearing on slip-painted ware from Nishapur and Samarqand often reference the social codes and moral etiquette of the period, which included a strong emphasis on hospitality and generosity, and sometimes allude their use as functional objects. This bowl’s red earthenware body was covered in white slip and decorated with motifs found on metal objects from the period, including the stippled ground.. Bowl with Arabic Proverb. late 10th-11th century. Earthenware; white slip with polychrome slip decoration under transparent glaze. Probably made in present-day Uzbekistan, Samarqand. Ceramics