Page 50 - Highlights of the Collection

Ewer decorated with
the signs of the zodiac

Afghanistan, Herat, ca. 1220
H. 38 cm, copper alloy, silver

This remarkable example of ornamental metalwork
was made from a single hammered copper sheet to
which only the handle is attached and testifies to the
growing interest in astrology, Ilm ahkam al-nujum, that
took place in the 11th and 12th centuries. The ewer
features the twelve signs of the zodiac in intricate
silver inlay – one sign on each of its twelve faces – and
their dominant planets. The encompassing decoration,
Highlights of the Collection
divided into superimposed registers, is composed of
rich figurative motifs and votive inscriptions in cursive
and animated Kufic script.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

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