The Blacas Ewer

In 1232, Shuja' ibn Man'a al-Mausili completed a magnificent brass ewer inlaid with copper and silver, very likely for the local ruler of Mosul, Iraq. With its vignettes of sports, battles, and courtly entertainments, this ceremonial vessel is a celebration of aristocratic life under the Seljuq Turks.

Featured Object
Maker: Shuja' ibn Man'a al-Mausili. The Blacas Ewer, dated A.H. Rajab 629/A.D. April–May 1232. Jazira, Mosul; Iraq. Brass; raised, engraved, inlaid with copper and silver; H. 11 7/8 in. (30 cm), Diam. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm). Courtesy of the Trustees of the British Museum, London (1866,1229.61)

Produced in association with Court and Cosmos: The Great Age of the Seljuqs, on view at The Met Fifth Avenue, April 27–July 24, 2016.

The exhibition is made possible by the NoRuz at The Met Fund and the Iranian-American Community.

The video is made possible by the Mossaver Rahmani Fund for Iranian Art.