Unglazed Ewer

9th–10th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 452

This ewer was meant to hold and pour liquids. It has an ovoid body, a neck that flares slightly, and a projecting lip. A vertical handle with a thumb-rest is attached near the middle of the neck on the vessel’s shoulder. The neck of the vessel is decorated with incised straight lines bordered by bands and wavy lines. The bottom register has a series of combed incised lines. Many unglazed earthenware vessels like this were used for cooking, but even more so for storing water. These vessels also functioned as lanterns, lamps, candlesticks, flowerpots, containers for coins, and toys.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Unglazed Ewer
Date: 9th–10th century
Geography: Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
Medium: Earthenware; incised, unglazed
Dimensions: H. 9 in. (22.8 cm)
Diam. 7 1/16 in. (18 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
Object Number: 38.40.236
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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