This ewer shows how it can be difficult to unravel the many different influences generated by intense trade across the Mediterranean in the late 15th century. The piece was made in northern Europe. However, the ornament on the lid includes the coat of arms of the Molino family of Venice, and the decoration was probably executed in Syria. It seems that a member of the Molino family sent the ewer to Syria to be decorated in an Islamic style. It was then returned to Italy.
Physical description
Ewer with the arms of Molino of Venice; brass engraved and damascened with silver and with filling of black lac, decoration probably done in Syria
Place of Origin
Netherlands (probably, made)
Germany (possibly, made)
Syria (probably, decorated)
Date
late 15th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Brass, engraved and damascened with silver and with filling of black lac
Dimensions
Height: 34 cm
Diameter: 18 cm
Descriptive line
Brass ewer with Veneto-Saracenic ornament, The Netherlands or Germany, 1450-1500.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Sievernich, Gereon, and Budde, Hendrik, Europa und der Orient 800-1900 , Berlin, 1989. Catalogue of the exhibition, 28 May - 27 August, 1989. 923 p., ill. ISBN 3750048144
Catalogue entry 4/97 p601, Ill.692 p600
Scerrato, Umberto, Metalli islamici, 1966. Nr.36
Tim Stanley ed., with Mariam Rosser-Owen and Stephen Vernoit, Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Middle East, London, V&A Publications, 2004; p. 127, plate 152.
Labels and date
EWER
Engraved brass, formerly inlaid with silver, the ground of the design filled with black composition
FLEMISH; 1450-1500, decorated by an Islamic craftsman for a Venetian patron
Given by Dr. W.L. Hildburgh F.S.A.
This form of ewer is a type that was made in German and Flemish workshops in the second half of the fifteenth century. The engraved decoration which incorporates Arabic letters has been carried out by an Islamic craftsman, probably from Syria or Egypt, for a Venetian patron, a member of the Molino family whose arms are engraved on the ewer.
Brass Ewer with Veneto-Saracenic Ornament
The Netherlands or Germany
1450-1500
This vessel was made in northern Europe. But the ornament on the lid includes the coat-of-arms of the Molino family of Venice, and the decoration was probably executed in Syria. It seems that a member of the Molino family sent the ewer to Syria to be decorated in an Islamic style, and it was then returned to Italy.
Cast brass with decoration engraved and inlaid in silver
Museum no. M.32-1946. Gift of Dr W.L. Hildburgh, FSA
Materials
Silver; Brass (alloy)
Techniques
Engraving (incising); Damascening
Subjects depicted
Coats of arms
Collection code
MET
