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Pitcher with design of musicians and courtiers
Pitcher with design of musicians and courtiers

Pitcher with design of musicians and courtiers

Place of OriginKashan, Iran
Dateapprox. 1200-1220
MaterialsComposite-body ceramic (fritware) with overglaze luster decoration
DimensionsH. 13 1/4 in x Diam. 8 in, H. 33.6 cm x Diam. 20.3 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB65P58
DepartmentWest Asian Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
On view
LocationGallery 7
InscribedRound the neck: A Persian couplet (a suggested reading and translation) and benedictory terms: "O you at whose love I found myself helpless And at your qualities (?), the New Moon smiled. Glory [and] Prosperity [and] Wealth and Happiness and Well-being and Generosity and Long-Life to [its owner]" Round the shoulder: "O I, who made promises a thousand time That I would not have a lover in the two worlds, except you Ashamed I should be that I did not [keep my promise], but In the end it was me who was left helpless by abandoning you. Glory [and] Prosperity and Wealth [and] Happiness and Well-being" Round the body, a Persian quatrain. Much of the inscription is not visible as a result the meaning cannot be understoond. A suggested reading and translation: "He saw .... a heart full of affection ..... As he looked he saw .... fear of a foe .... you too, the full Moon, show .... the ardour of the path Which would be and when ... he saw it as such. Six hundred (?) / AD 1203-04 (?) It is unusual to see a date without it being proceeded by 'the year'. Because the inscriptions are not clear, it is not possible to say with certainty that this is a date even though it would be the correct date for this ewer. Inside the neck, in Kufic, repitition of possibly: "Blessing" (Trans. Manijeh Bayani Wolpert, Dec. 1, 2007)
More Information

The painted scene on this pitcher depicts musicians and courtiers among dense foliage. The decoration includes both East and West Asian elements. The Mongol conquests of Persia and China in the 1200s facilitated trade and exchange between the two areas. The East Asian features of the figures show the strong influence of Chinese painting. In contrast, the geometric arabesque designs on the neck of the pitcher are a distinct characteristic of Islamic art. The Persian inscription in naskh script is largely illegible.

The creation of this type of decoration required a sophisticated double-firing process. The result was a metallic finish that was highly prized.

Subject
  • musician