Near East / Western Asia, Persia (Iran), Nishapur area, ca. 9th century to early 13th century CE. A large, elegant cast bronze vessel with a tall, bird-like spout. The body of the vessel is scalloped, resembling a pumpkin (although no one in Nishapur would have been familiar with the New World squash). These scalloped sides have incised decoration of floral motifs. Rising from the center of the vessel is a tall spout that flares outward slightly before rising to a lip. Viewed from the side, this looks like a bird with a long, upturned beak. Incised on the sides of the spout are more naturalistic depictions of long-beaked birds, their heads turned back as if looking over their shoulders. Size: 7" W x 11.5" H (17.8 cm x 29.2 cm)

Nishapur, located on the plateau at the center of Iran, was a seat of governmental power in the medieval Islamic world as well as a great trading city along the Silk Road until it was completely destroyed by the Mongols in 1221. Excavations of the medieval city by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the early 20th century CE revealed a sophisticated world full of beautiful yet functional objects, including ewers like this one.

Provenance: private Pasadena, California, USA collection

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#128429

Intact, with slight casting flaws low on base including a single tiny hole. Encrustation on vessel interior.