This lovely bowl from the Mexican state of Zacatecas reminds us that both art and design were an essential part of the ancient culture. Even utilitarian objects such as this bowl were embellished with intricate painted patterns. The exterior design, intentional and ordered, combines both geometric and free flowing forms. The whole design is divided into four sections that seem to mirror each other. There are many ways of interpreting these forms, but the original meanings have vanished long ago. Fortunately, today we can still marvel at this bowl’s intrinsic beauty.