Ewer
Unknown Artist
second half 13th century
Medium
Bronze; cast with handle cast separately, chased, engraved, inlaid with silver and gold
Dimensions
H. 8 9/16 in. (21.7 cm) W. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm) D. 6 in. (15.2 cm) Wt. 40.9 oz. (1159.6 g)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1963
Accession Number
63.158.3
Art Historical Context
This elegant bronze ewer, crafted by an unknown artist in the half of the 13 century, exemplifies the pinnacle of Islamic metalworking artistry. Standing just over 8 inches tall with a sturdy 40.9-ounce weight, it a separately cast handle and a pear-shaped body designed for gracefully pouring water—likely for ritual ablutions or serving at lavish banquets in the medieval Islamic world. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art Department, it was acquired through the Joseph Pulitzer Bequest 1963. The ewers's surface dazzles with intricate chased and engraved designs, enhanced by luxurious...