Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan Slip-Painted Vessel in the Form of a Bird - PF.6129, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 9 th , Century AD to 11 th Century AD, Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm)  More »

Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan Slip-Painted Vessel in the Form of a Bird - PF.6129, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 9 th , Century AD to 11 th Century AD, Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) high, Collection: Asian, Style: Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan, Medium: Terracotta. This gorgeous terracotta vessel has been modeled in the form of a stylized bird. While one end of the vessel features an open hole used for pouring in and out various liquids, the other end features the head of a bird crowning a spout-like neck. The beak of the bird is easily discerned, as are the pierced ears decorated with hoop earrings. A small lug handle connects the neck with the opening. Otherwise, the form of the body is generically avian. Interestingly, two bands highlighted with vertical incised hash marks adorn the shoulders of the vessel on either side. These may be suggested wings, with the incised decorations symbolizing individual feathers. A vessel such as this likely held precious liquids and oils, although it may have been used for serving water. The shape and form of this ewer is classically Islamic, revealing the great influence the neighboring Iran had upon the cultures of Afghanistan. While the plastic form of the vessel is traditional, the elaborate geometrical decorations are distinctive and unique to this type of ware originating in Afghanistan. The slip-painted embellishments feature a various leaf-shaped motifs that are repeated along the body and shoulders of the vessel. This striking ewer would have decorated the dinner table of an elite member of early Afghan Islamic society. Today, the beauty of this ancient world is as resplendent as ever and reminds us of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Afghanistan, the ancient crossways of cultures.   « Less

Umayyad Terracotta Vessel with Kufic Inscription - X.0159, Origin: Syria, Circa: 8 th Century AD, Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style:  More »

Umayyad Terracotta Vessel with Kufic Inscription - X.0159, Origin: Syria, Circa: 8 th Century AD, Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Umayyad,Medium: Terracotta. The early history of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad can be characterized by glorious wars and victories on the one hand and by jealousy, intrigue, and deceit on the other. When the Ummayad Dynasty ruled in splendor from their capital at Damascus, a vessel such as this would have served water in an ancient palace or mosque. The rulers of the Umayyad Dynasty, beginning with the founder, Mu'awiyah, claimed a blood relationship with the Prophet via his sister, Umm Habibah, and his cousin Abu- Sufyan, the leader of the Meccan Quraysh. As Islam spread across North Africa and into Europe, political rivalry began to emerge between the Caliphs. These family feuds would culminate in 749 A.D. when the entire Umayyad clan was murdered, save for abd-al-Rahman, who fled to Spain and founded an independent Umayyad Caliphate there. In part, this division between opposing Muslim factions of Shi’ite and the Sunni continue to this day. Overall, the period of the Umayyad Dynasty can be characterized by a love of luxury. Great palaces were erected in the capital of Damascus. It is noted that the Caliphs Yazi I and II were "passionate friends of sport, music and lady singers."   « Less

Large Pottery Jug with Incised Decoration - LO.540, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 9 th Century AD to 11 th Century AD, Dimensions: 10" (25.4cm) high, Collection: Asian, Style:  More »

Large Pottery Jug with Incised Decoration - LO.540, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 9 th Century AD to 11 th Century AD, Dimensions: 10" (25.4cm) high, Collection: Asian, Style: Early Islamic, Medium: Buff Earthenware. Large jug with piriform body, long neck and irregular flared mouth, the long strapped handle twisted, placed just below the rim and bent downward onto the belly. The decoration covers the upper part of the belly and includes several concentric bands with vertical lines in relief and a band of triangles and small circlets. Since the edges of the designs are quite sharp and the reliefs rather high, one can safely assume that this jug was carved rather than moulded, thus indicating a date between the 9th and the 11th centuries AD.   « Less

Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan Large Slip-Painted Terracotta Vessel - PF.6116, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 8 th , Century AD to 10 th Century AD, Dimensions: 13" (33.0cm) high,  More »

Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan Large Slip-Painted Terracotta Vessel - PF.6116, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 8 th , Century AD to 10 th Century AD, Dimensions: 13" (33.0cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan, Medium: Terracotta. This large, impressive terracotta vessel features a wide, rounded body with a tall neck that bows inwards slightly above the shoulders before flaring outwards at the top. Certainly, the most distinctive feature of this vessel is the pair of handles that connect the shoulders with the middle of the the neck. The handles are topped by inverted crescents that rise from the top of the handle to just below the lip of the vessel that appear to be stylized bull heads. The handles feature turquoise glazed highlights, These gorgeous highlights add a bit of color to the vessel, made that much more splendid by the monochrome decoration of the work. The slip- painted embellishments of abstracted designs decorate the neck and shoulders of the exterior, as well as the interior lip. The brilliant blue glaze hints at an Iranian influence, where such glazed- vessels were quite popular. This striking vessel would have decorated the dinner table of an elite member of early Afghan Islamic society. Today, the beauty of this ancient world is as resplendent as ever and reminds us of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Afghanistan, the crossways of cultures.   « Less

Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan Large Slip-Painted Terracotta Vessel - PF.6117, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 10 th Century AD, Dimensions: 14.75" (37.5cm) high,  More »

Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan Large Slip-Painted Terracotta Vessel - PF.6117, Origin: Afghanistan, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 10 th Century AD, Dimensions: 14.75" (37.5cm) high, Collection: Asian, Style: Mavera al-Nahr or Khurasan, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Terracotta Moulded Stamp - LO.670, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic,  More »

Terracotta Moulded Stamp - LO.670, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Pottery Moulded Stamp with Handle - LO.680, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 4.50" (11.4cm) depth, Collection: Central Asia, Style: Islamic,  More »

Pottery Moulded Stamp with Handle - LO.680, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 4.50" (11.4cm) depth, Collection: Central Asia, Style: Islamic, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Terracotta Moulded Stamp - LO.683, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3.125" (7.9cm) depth, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium:  More »

Terracotta Moulded Stamp - LO.683, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3.125" (7.9cm) depth, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Terracotta.Moulded stamp featuring on the recto a seven- pointed star encircled by a beaded medallion   « Less

Moulded Terracotta Stamp - LO.697, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3.875" (9.8cm) depth, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium:  More »

Moulded Terracotta Stamp - LO.697, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3.875" (9.8cm) depth, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Moulded Terracotta Stamp - LO.698, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 4.375" (11.1cm) depth, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium:  More »

Moulded Terracotta Stamp - LO.698, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 4.375" (11.1cm) depth, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less