The incised decoration of the bowl's exterior is arranged in concentric bands of alternating epigraphic and figurative friezes. The epigraphic bands comprise verses by the eighteenth century Persian poet, and renowned promoter of bazgasht-e adabi, Hatef Esfahani. They are taken from the first stanza of his most famous work, the tarji-band poem on divine unity, yeki hast o hich nist joz ou. The verses refer to a festive Zoroastrian gathering in which the participants enjoy music and wine, a theme alluded to in the uppermost figurative band depicting musicians, cupbearers and men smoking galyan. The lower frieze comprises popular scenes from classical Persian literature, including Bahram Gur and Fitna, and Khusrow and Shirin, all depicted in Qajar dress. 

Text adapted from L'Empire des Roses: Chefs-d'oeuvre de l'art persan du XIXe siècle (cat.entry: Emily Hannam, 2018).