Ewer

Object Details

• Artist

  Qasim ibn Ali

• Description

  Some of the silver inlay fallen out, especially on the spout and the widest part of the body. Modern lead reinforcement of foot rim.

• Inscriptions

  Naskhi inscription on the foot and at the base of the neck.

• Label

  Unlike most thirteenth century metalwares from Syria decorated with figural themes, this large and elegant ewer is only embellished with floral motifs and inscriptions. The unusual choice of decoration may reflect the particular taste of the patron, whose name appears on the ewer. He was Shihab al-Din Tughrul, a Turkish commander who served as regent in Aleppo in northern Syria on behalf of Sultan al-Malik al-Aziz (reigned 1216-37) of the Ayyubid dynasty. The ewer was probably reserved for religious ablution rites for which non-representational decoration was considered more appropriate.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Engaging the Senses (October 14, 2017 - ongoing)

  Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)

  Islamic Art (May 9, 1993 to June 3, 1997)

  Islamic Metalwork in the Freer Gallery of Art (September 27, 1985 to November 17, 1986)

  Near Eastern Metalwork (February 29, 1980 to March 3, 1980)

  Art of the Near East (August 21, 1977 to December 14, 1979)

  Art of the Arab World (May 8, 1975 to August 20, 1977)

  Near Eastern Art (June 15, 1973 to May 7, 1975)

  Near Eastern Art—Paintings, Metalwork (August 18, 1967 to February 10, 1972)

  Centennial Exhibition, Galleries 6 and 7 (February 25, 1956 to April 10, 1962)

• Origin

  Syria

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Vessel

• On View

  Freer Gallery 03: Engaging the Senses

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1100s, 1200s

• Name

  Qasim ibn Ali

• Topic

  Hammering, Art, Inlay (process), Sculpture, Arts of the Islamic World, Chasing, Spinning (metalworking)

• Culture

  Muslims, Ayyubids, Syrians

• Language

  Naskh script

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)

• On View

  Yes