Page 51 - Highlights of the Collection
P. 51

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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