- 115
A rare engraved brass jug, probably Herat, Central Asia, 12th century
Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description
- brass
of sub-globular form, the flaring cylindrical neck with attached strap handle and mask-head terminal, body engraved with a band of Kufic with foliated ascenders above a frieze of interlaced roundels filled with birds, a further narrow band featuring animals in chase including hares, jackals and leopards, a monumental cursive inscription to neck
Condition
In good condition, intact, some pitting and patination to surface, very minor chip on rim, 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
Around the neck: benedictions
Body: probably a repetition of `Sovereignty is God`
This rare form is better known in ceramics, particularly the high-quality lustre and min'ai wares of Kashan, but the shape has its origins in the metal medium. A jug (mashrabe) of similar shape, with an ovoid body, tall cylindrical neck and lightly curved handle on a thin splayed foot is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (inv. no. M.152-1923). It is attributed to Eastern Persia, datable to the tenth-eleventh century, and represents an early metal example for this shape (see: Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.46-47, no. 8).
The engraved decoration on the present jug is comparable to two jugs in private collections, notably one in the Keir Collection, see Fehérvári 1976, Plate 17a, no.55. The other jug, attributed to Khurasan and dated to the tenth-eleventh century, is illustrated in Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.30-31, fig.4. Combining calligraphic bands, roundels containing animals, a frieze of animals chasing each other and a vegetal background, this jug stands out for the rarity of its shape in metalwork and its rich surface ornament.
This piece is accompanied by an analysis and metallographic report by Dr Peter Northover from Oxford University confirming that the date of the present jug is consistent with the suggested period of manufacture.
Around the neck: benedictions
Body: probably a repetition of `Sovereignty is God`
This rare form is better known in ceramics, particularly the high-quality lustre and min'ai wares of Kashan, but the shape has its origins in the metal medium. A jug (mashrabe) of similar shape, with an ovoid body, tall cylindrical neck and lightly curved handle on a thin splayed foot is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (inv. no. M.152-1923). It is attributed to Eastern Persia, datable to the tenth-eleventh century, and represents an early metal example for this shape (see: Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.46-47, no. 8).
The engraved decoration on the present jug is comparable to two jugs in private collections, notably one in the Keir Collection, see Fehérvári 1976, Plate 17a, no.55. The other jug, attributed to Khurasan and dated to the tenth-eleventh century, is illustrated in Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.30-31, fig.4. Combining calligraphic bands, roundels containing animals, a frieze of animals chasing each other and a vegetal background, this jug stands out for the rarity of its shape in metalwork and its rich surface ornament.
This piece is accompanied by an analysis and metallographic report by Dr Peter Northover from Oxford University confirming that the date of the present jug is consistent with the suggested period of manufacture.