Ewer, brass, Western Iran, ca.1575

Ewer of copper alloy with incised decoration, remains of inlay in a black composition. The vessel has very narrow neck leading to a low bulbous body and slightly flared base. A lid topped with a flat flower-shaped finial covers the opening, the hinge being attached to a plain s-shaped handle which attaches at its base to the lower part of the body. On the opposite side a spout with a tulip-shaped opening. The lid and neck decorated with rings and several bands of incised arabesque decoration. The base contains cartouches alternating with medallions containing incised arabesque decoration.

Purchased from Habra Brothers, Great Portland Street, London.

This vessel is not in its original form, the lid, base, handle and spout all having been added later and causing considerable damage to the vessel in the process. The tulip-shaped finial at the end of the spout is characteristic of later Turkish metalwork design and the vessel is likely to have been altered during the Ottoman period. The handle is of inferior workmanship and covers the one of the medallions on the body of the vessel, while the base has an obvious soldering mark. The lid does not fit properly and its arabesque designs are simpler than those elsewhere. The vessel in its original form is a wine bottle, of the type frequently depicted in miniature paintings, such as the Shahnameh, accompanied by a handled jug and shallow cup.

handle and spout, base later additions; spout possibly of Turkish origin. Original form that of a Safavid wine bottle

482-1894