7th century
Iran
Object qualities
-
Objecttableware: Ewer
-
Type of arts & crafts
-
MediumBronze; cast, chased, and inlaid with copper
-
SizeMax. H. 19 1/8 in. (48.5 cm); Max. Diam. 8 1/4 in. (21.1 cm)
-
Geography detailsAttributed to
Iran -
Country today
-
Date7th century
Source of information
-
Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
-
Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
-
This ewer demonstrates a continuation of Parthian and Sasanian forms during the early Islamic period in Iran. The lobed forms represent mountains and the vertical lines surmounted by budlike shapes are probably plants. Its overall composition and motifs demonstrate the transition from a figural style to a growing taste for rhythmic repeating patterns. The handle is shaped like an elongated cat peering at the heads of two birds depicted on the rim of the vessel, as though about to pounce.