Bowl with Pseudo-inscription 13th century Typically formatted concentrically, the decoration of Syrian blackandblue underglazepainted pieces often features pseudoinscriptions. Here, the repeated letters, aliflam, around a circular band against a vegetal scroll, are not merely a decorative device or reflection of a potter’s illiteracy. This letter combination held religious significance and appears to have been endowed with magical or talismanic properties.. Bowl with Pseudo-inscription 445240