Copper Alloy Bottle - LO.885, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1100 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 5.375" (13.7cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Seljuk, Medium: Quarternary Bronze. Metalwork in the Near East and Central Asia has always enjoyed a prestige beyond that of other applied arts such as ceramics and textiles. Major pieces were specially commissioned and often bear dedications to the princes and great nobles for whom they were made, together with the proudly inscribed names of their makers and decorators; their very durability and impressive appearance give them a high standing and dignity of their own. The best pieces were in bronze, either engraved, inlaid, overlaid or beaten in repousse', that is hammered out from behind of designs to appear in relief on the surface.

Antiquities
Ancient Near East