Medieval Islamic Bronze Ewer with Incised Motifs Seljuk Empire

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A large cast bronze ewer with hinged lid and stylized scroll handle dated 11-12th century from Seljuk Period. The medieval … Read more A large cast bronze ewer with hinged lid and stylized scroll handle dated 11-12th century from Seljuk Period. The medieval Islamic empire spanned across a vast area that covered Central Asia, Persia, Iraq, and part of Anatolia nowadays Turkey, therefore it is not possible to pinpoint the original country where it was made (as many current countries did not exist at the time anyway). The ewer has a classic period design with a pear-shaped body supported by an everted hallow foot. The curvy handle featuring a protruding thumb rest is riveted to the shoulder. The spout takes a shape of an oil lamp that were widely used at the time. The hinged lid remains. The exterior surface was decorated with incised lotus petal around the neck followed by bands of geometrical shape and Arabic calligraphy. On the main body, several roundels of winged animals and mihrab-shaped cartouches were incised as ornamentation. There is extensive encrusted verdigris patina throughout the surface, rendering the piece a unique appeal.
For a similar ewer in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, see item Accession Number: 33.96 See less