This ewer has a complex, angular form and cheerful decoration in silver. The good wishes in Arabic on the shoulder are in a bizarre style of script in which each upright ends in a human face. The figures between are four musicians. Those on the sides represent the moon.
In Islamic art, objects made from base materials were often transformed by sophisticated forms of decoration. Brassware, such as this ewer, was decorated with inlaid surface ornament.
For larger motifs, metalworkers chiselled out small areas of brass and filled them with thin sheets of silver, gold and copper. They added details by chasing the surface of the softer metals and contrast by using a black filler.
The inlay technique first became popular in eastern Iran in the mid 12th century. It then spread westwards and by 1250 was in use across the Middle East. Its popularity declined after 1500.
Physical description
Ewer (aftabe). Brass, sheet, inlaid with silver. Now with a patina of dark olive brown turning black. Decorated with poetic and benedictory inscriptions, in several different types of script, groups of flying birds, musicians, and seated female figures holding up huge crescent moons. These are probably traditional Persian representations of the 'Planet' Moon. Western Iran, 13th century.
Place of Origin
Iran (west, made)
Date
ca. 1220-1240 (made)
Artist/maker
unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Brass, hammered and welded; engraved decoration partly inlaid with silver and black composition
Marks and inscriptions
Might and lasting life, thankfulness and praise, [helping] destiny and wealth victory over the enemy, integrity! A-L-A!
"undeciphered"
Lasting might, immune life, growing success, ascending luck, helping destiny, wide authority, lucky star L!
Khwaje Reyhan
Dimensions
Height: 43.7 cm, Height: 40.2 cm up to pouring lip, Diameter: 20.5 cm circle enclosing faceted body at its widest, Diameter: 15.2 cm waisted foot
Object history note
Purchased for £100 as part of Wrench collection from Mrs A Whitaker, Constantinople (Istanbul), 15 January 1897.
Descriptive line
Brass ewer inlaid with silver, featuring 'animated' inscriptions and musician- and moon-figures, Iran, 1220-40.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Melikian-Chirvani, A.S. Islamic Metalwork from the Iranian World, London:HMSO, 1982, p169-173, ISBN 0 11 290252 9
Survey, pl.1327.
Robinson, B. 50 Masterpieces of Metalwork, London, 1951, no.43, pp 88-9; illustrated and dated to the 'early years of the thirteenth century'.
Scerrato, V. Metalli Islamici, Milan, 1966, pl.45, p104; caption p.102 as 'Ilkhanid period, 13th c'
Tim Stanley ed., with Mariam Rosser-Owen and Stephen Vernoit, Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Middle East, London, V&A Publications, 2004; pp. 34, 97, plate 39
Exhibition History
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (The Millennium Galleries, Sheffield 14/01/2006-16/04/2006)
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo 01/10/2005-04/12/2005)
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas 03/04/2005-04/09/2005)
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (National Gallery of Art, Washington 18/07/2004-06/02/2005)
Labels and date
EWER
Worked sheet brass, with engraved decoration and silver inlay
WESTERN PERSIA; 13th century
The inscriptions consist of conventional blessings, sometimes in abreviated or garbled form. The same owners name is found as on the candlestick shown close by, suggesting the two pieces were made in the same workshop. [Used until 10/2002]
Ewer with Musicians and Moons
Iran
1220-40
This later ewer is of a completely different type. It has a complex, angular form and cheerful decoration in silver. The good wishes in Arabic on the shoulder are in a bizarre style of script in which each upright ends in a human face. The figures between are four musicians, while those on the sides represent the moon.
Brass, inlaid with silver
Museum no. 381-1897 [Jameel Gallery]
Materials
Silver; Brass
Techniques
Engraved; Inlaid; Hammered; Welded
Categories
Containers; Islam; Metalwork
Collection code
MES
