Safavid Pitcher Jug with Flared Neck
Iran
A vessel constructed along a central axis, the mass organised through a broad lower body rising into a compressed shoulder and sharply flaring neck, the rim opening outward on an angled plane, with a curved handle rising from the shoulder to the rim.
Description
The lower body expands in a continuous curve before tightening at the shoulder into a narrow band, from which the neck opens outward in a controlled flare, the rim cut on an oblique plane. The neck is organised in vertical fluted panels filled with dense scrolling vine ornament, separated from the shoulder by a narrow interlace band. The lower body repeats the fluted-panel treatment in a band above the foot. The central field is crossed by a dense floral scrollwork frieze containing birds among the foliage. The handle rises in a curved line from the shoulder to the rim, attached at both points by riveted plates.
Surface is compact and stable. Tinning is retained across most of the surface, worn through along the rim, shoulder bands and the raised ridges of the fluted panels, exposing the copper body beneath. Engraving remains intact.
Context
Vessels of this type function within Safavid courtly and domestic contexts.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Iran, 1968.
Details
- Title
- Safavid Pitcher Jug with Flared Neck
- Culture
- Safavid
- Origin
- Iran
- Date
- 17th century
- Dimensions
- H 44 cm (17.3 in) · D 31 cm (12.2 in)
- Medium
- Tinned copper with engraving
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Iran, 1968.
- Condition
- Tinning retained with copper exposed at wear points; engraving intact.
