Figure vase
- Place of origin:
Kashan, Iran (probably, made)
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
Fritware, decorated with underglaze colours and lustre
- Credit Line:
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
Islamic Middle East, room 42, case WE7, shelf 3
- Image in copyright
This vase shows a popular theme of companions enjoying a party. Typically a young prince is surrounded by companions who play the lute, drink wine and sing or declaim poetry. This vase, however, depicts an older participant at such a party, wine glass in hand.
In many Islamic societies, scenes containing humans and animals were a common type of decoration in non-religious contexts. The source of this imagery was usually poetry, the most highly esteemed form of secular literature.
Luxury copies of narrative poems were often illustrated with fine paintings, and the more familiar episodes were depicted on palace walls and objects. Love lyrics accompanied portrayals of beautiful young men and women. Odes in praise of the ruler inspired enthronement scenes. The recitation of poems at court was depicted, as were princely activities such as hunting and playing polo.
Physical description
Figurine vase, fritware, decorated with underglaze colours and lustre, depicting a seated figure.
Place of Origin
Kashan, Iran (probably, made)
Date
ca. 1220 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Fritware, decorated with underglaze colours and lustre
Dimensions
Height: 19.9 cm, Width: 11.6 cm
Descriptive line
Vase in the form of a seated man holding a glass of wine, Iran (probably Kashan), about 1220.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Middle East (London: V&A Publications, 2004), plate 63. p.49
Labels and date
13-16 Four Vessels
Iran, Kashan
1180-1220
The bowl on the left shows a young prince surrounded by companions. They play the lute, drink wine and sing or declaim poetry. The vase depicts an older participant at such a party, wine glass in hand.
In the poetry recited at such entertainments, the gazelle was often a metaphor for elusive
beauty. Appropriately, the gazelle on the second bowl is surrounded by Persian verses.
Verses are also found on the bottle. This was modelled on similar containers made of
precious metal, which were used for wine drunk at court revelries.
13 Fritware with enamels and gilding over the glaze
Museum no. C.52-1952
Purchased with the assistance of the National Art Collections Fund and the Bryan Bequest
14 Fritware with colour in and lustre over the glaze
Ades Family Collection
15-16 Fritware with lustre over and (bowl only) colour in the glaze. Bowl signed by Muhammad son of Muhammad Nishapuri in Kashan
Museum nos. C.162, 165-1977
Given by Mr C.N. Ades, MBE, in memory of his wife, Andrée Ades [Jameel Gallery]
Subjects depicted
Figures
Categories
Islam; Ceramics; Vases; Figures & Decorative ceramics
Collection code
MES
