Brass Jug,

12
th
Century AD, Khurasan, Iran

[1]

Shape, Form and Space
The object has the body of pear-shaped form with a slightly reverted cylindrical neck and a curved
handle. The body has a brass texture ornamented decoration embracing intertwined lobed medallions,
possibly containing representations of the zodiac signs. There is little presence of negative space and the
positive space seems more of a dominant element in this object. However, the space between the
handle and the jug creates an interesting negative space and accentuates its aesthetic value. The
repeating pattern of the kufic inscriptions on all sides of the body gives this jug a more symmetrical and
balanced look.


Location, Information provided and Display technique
The object is placed inside a glass ceiling, alongside several other metal objects. It was slightly elevated
to signify its importance in comparison to the other objects, perhaps it served a better purpose or must
be used by royal families hence why it has been kept at an elevated position. The slab next to the object
contained information about the object, it says the following, Facetted brass jug with lid and handle,
the body incised with decorative medallions and inscription panels, the lid decorated with birds, 6
th
-7
th

century AH/ 12
th
-13
th
century AD, Khorasan, Iran. SM1996-109

Object Analysis
The object has two different components. One is the vessel of the jug itself; the second includes the
handle which is attached to the lid. The jug is made out of brass as it says in the description however the
lid and handle could be bronze or brass. Due to its metallic texture and considering that it is an alloy
made of copper and zinc it gives the object a dark golden color. The color tone remains consistent from
all angles of the jar. Metalworks are mostly heavy and dense in property. However, brass is lighter
compared with other metals so I assume that the jug would weigh around 3-5 kilograms.

Interpretation
Khorasan was a province situated in the north east region of Iran. The name Khorasan is Persian and
means "where the sun arrives from." Khorasan was going through a period in the 12
th
-13
th
century
where they continued their dominance in metalworking. However, from the 14
th
century onwards tin
had become increasingly popular for producing objects at a less amount and the prices for all Brass-
based objects increased.
Brass objects were used in the Islamic period to fashion objects that gather a wide variety of useful
purposes for instance, cooking, lighting, and the storage of personal effects. This jar however I would
assume must have been used on more special ceremonial occasions by mostly royal families and patrons
judging by its intricate inscription work being completely unique than the other jugs that I saw in the
museum.
One aspect of this object that reflects to this course is that it largely satisfies one of the key
characteristics of Islamic Art which is transforming everyday objects into works of art. The jar we see in
the image is considered a very basic product used in our everyday lives. However the meaning that it
puts across through its inscriptions to the Persian community and the superior figures that went on to
hold and make use of it in special occasions makes it a very artistic and historic object.

Friends Opinion
I showed the object to my friend Khaled, He was really impressed by the objects simplistic form yet how
it manages to look aesthetic and stand out from other objects. The kufic inscriptions underneath the lid
and the imagery of the zodiac signs on the jar made my friend find the jar more attractive.


Sources:
[1] First hand photograph
http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-vii-islamic-pre-safavid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorasan_Province