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Details / Information for Jug

Jug

late 900s

Iran or Iraq, Baghdad, Buyid Period, reign of Samsam al-Dawla

(985-998 AD)
Medium
gold with repoussé and chased and engraved decoration
Measurements
Overall: 12.5 x 10.2 cm (4 15/16 x 4 in.); Diameter of base: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
Weight: 240 g (8.47 oz.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1966.22
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This jug is one of the rare surviving Islamic vessels made entirely of precious metal. Its inscription bands contain Arabic poetry that translates, in part: "You are the image of the full moon at night, the first gleam of sun on the horizon of the morning. You are a sword in the times of war, a beneficent rain in times of peace . . . your sword cuts the necks of Buyid enemies in great quantities . . . Glory and prosperity to the just king Samsam al-Dawla . . . May God lengthen your reign!"
Gold jug with a squat, round body, and cylindrical neck of the same height, a handle jutting out and down to connect with the body on one side. Both the body and neck have a central band patterned with circles in which stand birds and with bands of Arabic text above and below (see "Inscriptions"). Hash, circle, and dot detailing incises the birds.

Jug

late 900s

Iran or Iraq, Baghdad, Buyid Period, reign of Samsam al-Dawla (985-998 AD)

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