Aubergine Glazed Zoomorphic Ewer - LO.644, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1225 AD to 1250 AD, Dimensions: 8.75" (22.2cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Gurgan, Medium: Earthenware. A spherical body with a raised collar line around the shoulders and the flaring neck, a funnel- shaped ribbed spout of zoomorphic connotations with applique' eyes on the sides, opposite a bent handle. On either sides of the neck a ringed loop attached. The surface is covered with a lead-based aubergine glaze, slighly washed on one side of the body. This ewer must have drawn inspiration from contemporary metalware in Seljuq Iran. Ewer with zoomorphic spouts were rather popular, not only in Afghanistan but all over Central Asia, all featuring a globular body and a funnel shaped slighly bent or upright spout on one side and the opening on the other. They almost invariably were made of buff or red earthenware and coated with a lead-based glaze. Similar vessels have been found not only in Bamiyan , but also in Khurasan and other centres of Central Asia, though their production is attested between the 12th and the early 13th century, i.e. prior to the Mongol invasion (AD 1220). For a discussion on zoomorphic lead-glazed ewers see: G. Fehervari, Ceramics of the Islamic World, 2000: pp.147-151.

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