Terracotta Ewer with spout shaped in the
form of a
birds head with moulded eyes and beak
forming
pouring hole; ovoid- shaped body standing
upon
tall, bell foot; slender, concave-sided neck
with
prominent moulded flange at base; arched
handle
surmounted by pomegranate finial; superb,
iridescent green-glaze over whole.
When, in 7th century, the Islamic Arab armies
overran the major part of the Near East, they
discovered several well-established pottery
centres,
which had seen little change in technical skill
and
artistic traditions over several millennia.
Glazed
pottery was invented and introduced in Egypt
during
the fourth millennium BCE before spreading
to
Central Asia. The manufacture of these
alkaline
glazed vessels continued throughout the
Sassanian
period right up to early Islamic times.
Given to the continuity of shapes, pastes,
colours
and decoration over the centuries it is difficult
to
distinguish between pre-Islamic and early
Islamic
vessels. Though in this case the refinement of
the
shape and evolution of the zoomorphic spout
suggest a later date of manufacture.
- (X.0059)
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