DescriptionOne of the finest and most elaborate metal objects of the Seljuq period, this ewer is decorated with many motifs popular on Seljuq art in general and on metalwork of this period in particular, including the signs of the zodiac, the "waq-waq" (animal-headed scroll) motif, harpies, and Arabic inscriptions in human-headed naskhi script. Its attribution to the late 12th century is supported by a very similar object that is dated 1181, presently in a museum in Tblisi, Georgia.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsInscriptions: (In Arabic; on neck, in human-headed naskhi script): "Glory, prosperity, power, joy, happiness, permanent stability" (In Arabic; on upper horizontal band, in human-headed naskhi script): "Glory, prosperity, power, permanent stability to the owner" (In Arabic; on lower horizontal band, in kufic script): "Blessing, power, blessing, joy, continuance in stability" (In Arabic; on shoulder, in human-headed naskhi script): "Blessing, prosperity, power, happiness, security, health, wealth, praise, permanent stability" (In Arabic; on handle, in kufic script): "Glory and prosperity"; (on bottom, incised): [possibly the name of an owner?] [Francesca Leoni, Fellow, 03-31-08]: The reading of the inscription has been revised by Dr. Ghouchani and this is the new translation: (In Arabic; on neck, top, in human-headed naskhi script): "Glory, prosperity, power, growth, happiness, survival" (In Arabic; on neck, middle band, in human-headed naskhi script): "Glory, prosperity, power, permanent survival to the owner" (In Arabic; on neck, bottom band, in kufic script): "With joy, blessing, power, blessing, comfort, and stability" (In Arabic; on shoulder, in human-headed naskhi script): "Glory, prosperity, power, happiness, well-being, vigor, comfort, praise, permanent survival" (In Arabic; on handle, in kufic script): "Glory and prosperity" (In Arabic; on the bottom): "his owner [is] Fulad bin Mirak".

Provenancehis estate, until 1944)