Prosperity and Peace

Here's some end-of-2011 / beginning-of-2012 inspiration, from the calligraphic decoration on the above bowl:

Planning before work protects you from regret;
prosperity and peace.

The earthenware bowl—from "Iran, probably Nishapur, Samanid period (819–1005), 10th century"—is one of the many humblingly-beautiful pieces in the Metropolitan Museum's New Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia. Watch this space for more oohs and aahs about the artifacts, especially the calligraphy that's woven throughout many aspects of the art.

Happy New Year! Here's to great planning, few regrets, artful work, prosperity and peace!