Bottle with a sprinkler top, second half of 12th century
Iran or Afghanistan (Khorasan)
Cast brass alloy inlaid with silver
Technical Glossary
Iran or Afghanistan (Khorasan)
Cast brass alloy inlaid with silver
H. 6 in. (15.4 cm), Max. Diam. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, and Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 1998 (1998.234)
This prunted bottle, a familiar type from the ninth through the twelfth century, is unique for its sprinkler top and crown of birds. The inlaid decoration suggests that it belongs to the later phase of production, probably in the late twelfth century. The six stylized birds sitting on a protruding branch, their tails raised and heads turned backward, are especially captivating. The silver-inlay inscription, formed of abbreviated words, wishes the owner well.
