Jar

Unknown Artist

18th century

Jar by Unknown Artist

Medium

Silver, enamel

Dimensions

H. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm) W. 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm) D. 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm) Wt. 1.7 oz. (48.2 g)

Classification

Metal

Department

Islamic Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1908

Accession Number

08.56.12a, b

Tags

Jars

Art Historical Context

This exquisite little jar, crafted by an unknown artist in the18th century, exemplifies refined metalworking traditions of the Islamic world. Measuring just 5/8 inch high and weighing a mere 1.7 ounces, it is a delicate marvel, likely designed as a luxurious container for perfumes, spices or cosmetics—items prized in daily life and elite gift-giving across Ottoman, Persian, or Mughal courts. Fashioned from silver and adorned with enamel, the jar showcases a sophisticated technique where finely ground glass pigments are fused onto the metal surface in vibrant colors and intricate patterns, cre...

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