Page 49 - Highlights of the Collection

Rooster-headed ewer

Iran, 1100-1300
H. 29 cm, ceramic with openwork decoration and
underglaze painting

Ewers with bird-shaped heads date back to pre-Islamic
times in the Middle East. Announcing a new day, the
cock was the centre of a complex set of beliefs. Its
fixed eye was supposed to guarantee protection. This
object is one of the rare examples featuring a double
reticulated wall. The inscription on its neck bears
wishes to the owner and a quatrain ending with the
following blessing:

“I have held our love in the depths of my soul
and discussed the slightest things with it, until
the lover embraces the world to bring your love
to it. May the Creator grant his protection to
the owner of this ewer, wherever he may be.”

46