Ewer with Molded Inscriptions and Figures on Horseback

Ewer

An effective manner of decorating the surface of a ceramic vessel was achieved through the use of a two-part unglazed mold. This technique was much less time-consuming than carving the entire design by hand.

In its decoration, this ewer is quite reminiscent of contemporary metalwork. The broad central band bears four figures on horseback and one on foot set against a dense vegetal scroll, and the narrow band above contains a cursive Arabic inscription. As is typical for ceramic objects decorated by means of a two-part mold, the design where the parts of the mold join is blurred.

It was the introduction of the composite body (see MMA 29.160.8, no. 22 in this catalogue) that gave rise to monochrome wares of such jewel-like hues as those seen here, since a glazed clay body could not produce such brilliant colors.

Marilyn Jenkins in [Berlin 1981]

Inscription: Inscription in Arabic in naskhi script (partly effaced); on the body: "The highest, the wise, the powerful".

In naskhi script:
... الصاعد و السعادة ... و الاقبال ....

(A.Ghouchani, 2011 )

[ Reiza Khan Monif, New York, NY, until 1913; sold to MMA]

Berlin. Museum für Islamische Kunst, Pergamonmuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. "The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the M.M.A.," June 15, 1981–August 8, 1981, no. 22.

Sarre, Friedrich Dr, and F. R. Martin. Die Ausstellung von Meisterwerken Muhammedanischer Kunst in München, 1910. Munich, 1910. ill. pls. 147, 149.

Riefstahl, Rudolf M. Parish-Watson Collection of Mohammadan Potteries. New York: E. Weyhe, 1922. p. LXI, ill. fig. 15.

Dimand, Maurice S. A Handbook of Mohammedan Decorative Arts. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1930. pp. 133–134, 144, ill. fig. 78 (b/w).

Harari, Ralph, and Richard Ettinghausen. A Survey of Persian Art from Prehistoric Times to the Present, edited by Arthur Upham Pope. vol. I–VI. London and New York: Oxford University Press, 1938. v. II, p. 1620, ill. v. V, pl. 771B.

Dimand, Maurice S. A Handbook of Muhammadan Art. 2nd rev. and enl. ed. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1944. p. 176, ill. fig. 110 (b/w).

Wilkinson, Charles K. "The Kilns of Nishapur." Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New Series, vol. 17 (May 1959). p. 239, ill. p. 239 (b/w).

"Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York." In The Arts of Islam. Berlin, 1981. no. 23, pp. 76–77, ill. p. 77 (b/w).

Alexander, David. Furusiyya: Catalogue. vol. 2. Riyadh,Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz Public Library, 1996. no. 55, p. 61, ill. (color).