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Large Turquoise Jar

12th–13th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455
This large earthenware jar holds four registers of molded decoration containing motifs typical of the Seljuq period, including winged griffins set against a scrolling background, an elegant arabesque design, and a series of inscriptions with good wishes written in small kufic script. Although the original function of this jar is not known, similar earthenware jugs may have been used to hold grains or wine.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Large Turquoise Jar
  • Date: 12th–13th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran
  • Medium: Earthenware; molded and glazed
  • Dimensions: H. 31 1/2 in. (80 cm)
    Diam. 18 1/2 (47 cm
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.189
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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