Pierced Jug with Harpies and Sphinxes

Unknown

dated A.H. 612/1215–16 CE · Stonepaste; openwork, underglaze-painted, glazed in transparent turquoise · Islamic Art

With a carved and pierced outer shell that surrounds a solid inner container, this intricate feat of pottery emulates a metal object. The openwork–featuring Harpies (mythical birdwomen), Sphinxes, quadrupeds (four-footed mammals), and scrolls–was first painted with touches of black and cobalt blue. The entire jug was then covered in a transparent turquoise glaze. The Persian verses around the rim were written by the poet Rukn al-Din Qummi, and an anonymous love poem near the base includes the date of production.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated A.H. 612/1215–16 CE

Medium

Stonepaste; openwork, underglaze-painted, glazed in transparent turquoise

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1932