The showroom was filled from floor to ceiling with hand-thrown and hand-painted ceramic works of art. Every piece approached perfection in form, in intricate detail, and in color combination. Some of the ceramics were imitations of ancient Hittite vases, platters, and pitchers; others were painted in the traditional Turkish blue, white, and contrasting orange and green. The effect of so many marvelous creations clamoring for the complete attention of my eyes was more than a little overwhelming.
The salesman followed me closely as I perused the shelves, ever ready to point out the wonderful properties of each piece or to justify the ridiculously high price tag. I was glad, however, to have him next to me to explain the significance of the writing on some of the dishes. In one corner I found, to my delight, a collection of bowls, plates, and plaques with Arabic script. I instantly started translating those aloud, and engaged the salesman in a discussion of the merits of Islamic blessings. One piece in particular caught my eye as it was an inscription written in such a way as to look like a fish—what was so arresting was the similarity it bore to the Christian fish that populates so many car trunks, Bible covers, and shoulder blades or ankles among America’s Christian subculture. The salesman, let’s call him Khazem, told me that the inscription was an invocation for blessing from God on the food that would be served, as well as an expression of gratitude for His provision.
When I remarked that the platter, and inscription, would do just as well on a Christian table as a Muslim one, Khazem looked around the room, drew me aside with his eyes, and then whispered that he was a Christian himself.
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