Ewer with Molded Inscriptions, Animals, and Dancers

Unknown

last quarter 11th or 12th century · Stonepaste; molded, monochrome glazed · Islamic Art

The choral dance displayed on this ewer is not uncommon on Seljuq stonepaste molded wares. Choral dances performed at the time included the mystic dances of the Sufi practice of sama’ and those related to Zoroastrian worship rituals. This depiction, however, more probably evokes courtly scenes, where dances were performed as a mundane entertainment for prince and nobility. The inscription mentions the name of the potter, Abu Ahmad Qassa’i, which is an unusual occurrence on early monochrome stonepaste, and points to the fact that this was a specialized and highly regarded form of production.

Artist

Unknown

Date

last quarter 11th or 12th century

Medium

Stonepaste; molded, monochrome glazed

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Cora Timken Burnett Collection of Persian Miniatures and Other Persian Art Objects, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956