Eid

April 03, 2023

Crafted nearly 700 years ago in medieval Iran, the elegant, hand-painted ceramic bowl on this year’s Eid stamp became part of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) collection in 1909. Made during Ramadan – one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar – it would likely have served many owners over the centuries as a vessel for foods eaten to break the fast each night.

The bowl has a special connection to the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan. Made of stonepaste – a hard material invented by Middle Eastern potters from a mixture of ground quartz, glass and clay – it is inscribed with a dated poem written for its owner.

“There’s a deep sense of humanity in this bowl that still rings true, especially with all the turmoil in the world today,” says Dr. Fahmida Suleman, Islamic World curator at the ROM. “The poem urges us to take a moment to forget our sorrows and be grateful for what we have – and wishes us protection and a bit of luck. Blues are auspicious in Islam, so even the colours the artist chose were meant to uplift the soul.”

Booklet of 6 stamps

Booklet of 6 stamps

$5.52

  • Product #: 414222111
  • Denomination: Permanent™ (domestic rate)
  • Design: Subplot Design Inc.
  • Dimensions: 40 mm x 33 mm
  • Printer: Colour Innovations
  • Printing Process: lithography in 5 colours + 1 foil stamping
  • Quantity: 55,000
  • Gum Type: PVA
  • Illustration: Unaiza Karim
  • Tagging: 3 sides; complete bottom and partial sides U shaped
  • Photography: Stonepaste bowl, Ramadan 729 AH (July 1329 CE); Royal Ontario Museum, 909.27.1, Images © ROM
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Official First Day Cover

Official First Day Cover

$1.92

  • Product #: 414222131
  • Denomination: Permanent™ (domestic rate)
  • Design: Subplot Design Inc.
  • Dimensions: 190 mm x 112 mm
  • Printer: Colour Innovations
  • Quantity: 4,500
  • Gum Type: PVA
  • Illustration: Unaiza Karim
  • Tagging: 3 sides; complete bottom and partial sides U shaped
  • Photography: Stonepaste bowl, Ramadan 729 AH (July 1329 CE); Royal Ontario Museum, 909.27.1, Images © ROM
  • OFDC Cancellation Location: Toronto ON
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