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Ewer with Birds and Animals

10th century
Not on view
This ewer decorated with quadrupeds and birds in roundels, probably made in Nishapur, is one of the best examples of glass vessels with wheel-cut designs. The two roundels on either side of the handle show long-tailed birds, and the third bears a crouching lion. While this was the only glass vessel found at Nishapur with a pattern of roundels around its body, the decoration type is known from other examples of Sasanian and Islamic metalwork, textiles, ceramics, and glass. Broken when excavated, it has been reassembled from approximately twenty pieces and its surface retains slight traces of iridescence.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ewer with Birds and Animals
  • Date: 10th century
  • Geography: Attributed to probably Iran. Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Glass, colorless; blown, folded foot, applied handle, cut
  • Dimensions: H. 5 3/4 in. (14.5 cm), max. diam. 4 in. (10.2 cm),
    Diam. (at rim): 3 5/8 in. (9.1 cm)
    Diam. (belly): 4 in. (10.2 cm)
    Diam. (base): 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm)
  • Classification: Glass
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.40.101
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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