DescriptionThis ewer, originally inlaid with copper, demonstrates how early Islamic art produced in Iran was influenced by pre-Islamic Parthian and Sasanian sources. The shape of the ewer is reminiscent of both Parthian and Sasanian metalwork, while the duck heads on the rim and the abstract vegetal design covering the body are motifs of Sasanian derivation. The overlapping petals on the foot were inspired by Parthian designs.