A Silver and Copper-inlaid Brass Ewer, Khurasan, Circa 1200

the body of cylindrical form on a splayed base, the faceted body incised and inlaid with silver and copper with foliate roundels in between calligraphic and foliate bands, the narrow cylindrical neck with faceted spout and curved handle with palmette terminals surmounted by a bird thumbpiece, the flattened shoulder incised and inlaid with a monumental calligraphic band, the neck with rosettes enclosed by strap borders

pitting and patination, areas of oxidisation, recently cleaned, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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This is a characteristic form of early medieval Khurasanian metalwork. The decoration is finely worked and typical of the repertoire employed on these vessels. Similar decoration can be found on a closely related example in the Keir Collection (Fehérvári 1976, plate 16, no.53). The angular and rounded fluting seems to echo a decorative motif from Khurasanian architecture of the period. The alternating flanges and engaged columns of the tomb tower at Kishmar create a similar pattern and suggest that architecture continued to lend forms to metalworkers in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries (Pope 1938, vol.IV, plate 347B).