Initially the invasion of the Mongols at the
beginning of the 12th century had a
detrimental
impact on art and artists of the region.
However
after a brief interlude metalworking
experienced
a new renaissance.
The artistic style of the applied arts in
Khorassan
began to change in the middle of the 11th
century, as the decorative principle established
its supremacy. New forms of bronze, copper
and
lead artefacts also began to appear from that
time. By the 12th century, the surface of
utilitarian objects such as this flask were
engraved, and then silver or copper was inlaid
in
the cut-out areas to make the decorative
designs more visible. Stylized animals and
birds
were common decorative motifs seen on
objects
produced in Khorassan. Engraving became the
most common technique for the application of
ornament, being best suited to achieving the
smooth quality of pattern that was standard
during this period. The shift in style affected
more than just decorative techniques: the
profile
of the vessels also changed noticeably,
developing from unprepossessing, rather bulky
outlines to more elegant, smoother contours
and
balanced proportions.
This astounding bottle melds the skills of the
metalworker in a unique form unlikely to be
found in any comparable public or private
collection. The inlays which carry
the majority of the intricate geometric and
calligraphic (untranslated) adornments are
executed in copper.
The long tapered neck of the bottle is adorned
with semicircular incisions which give the
effect
of feathers such as one might find in the long
slender neck of a swan. The bird theme is
continued around the bottle on interspersed
cartouches engraved with pretty, shy and
plump
little birds. The emblematic theme of the
decoration is idiosyncratic- with the symbols
and
motifs one would expect to find in a piece of
this
period and provenance. In particular the
graceful
animated hare which appears in the
cartouches
around the central globular body is a
renowned
trademark of
later 13th and 14th century wares.
Geometric medallions are featured just
beneath
the shoulder of the body and around the cup at
the mouth of the neck. The
widespread use of geometric decoration and
epigraphic inscriptions was an innovation.
Over
the course of time the inscriptions became
stylized and indecipherable, transformed into a
sort of ‘graphic ornament’. This is a rare and
spectacular piece of Islamic art that would
grace
any serious collection.
