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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2001.203
Title
Vase with Inscriptions
Classification
Vessels
Work Type
vessel
Date
mid 14th century
Places
Creation Place: Africa, Egypt
Period
Mamluk period
Culture
Arab
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/167161

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Brass, inlaid with silver
Dimensions
H: 17.5 x small. diam: 5.6 x greatest diam: 12 cm (6 7/8 x 2 3/16 x 4 3/4 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: neck and body of vase, silver inlay and engraved, inlay and engraved, Arabic, in artist's hand

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Momtaz Islamic Art, London, England, 5.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Francis H. Burr Memorial Fund and the Discretionary Fund of the Islamic Art Department
Accession Year
2001
Object Number
2001.203
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
Vase with tall, round, slightly flared neck; the pear-shaped body stands on a tall footring. The neck is engraved with three bands: at the top, a band of kufic script set against a foliated scroll; a second band consisting of a twined rope motif; and on the ring of the neck, a third band of lozenges alternating with roundels. The body bears a broad band of fine thuluth calligraphy punctuated by three large decorative roundels filled with an arabesque motif. Above and below the calligraphy band are arabesque motifs. On the foot ring is an engraved band consisting of an angular, braided rope motif. Remnants of silver inlay can be found on the neck ring and body of the vase.

The inscription on this vase reveals that it was made for an amir kabir, or Great Emir, of Sultan Hasan (ruled 1347-51 and 1354-61). Up until 1352 the title of amir kabir was given to all senior Mamluk amirs, or freed slaves who were part of the ruling military elite. After that time, the term was reserved for the commander in chief of the army. Since the reigns of Sultan Hasan span this transition, this piece may have been made for the commander in chief but also could have been made for any senior amir.

Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.

Publication History

  • Melanie Michailidis, Glory and Prosperity: Metalwork of the Islamic World, brochure, ed. Marsha Pomerantz, Harvard University Art Museums (2002), Cover

Exhibition History

  • The Continuous Stroke of a Breath: Calligraphy from the Islamic World, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 12/20/2003 - 07/18/2004
  • Overlapping Realms: Arts of the Islamic World and India, 900-1900, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 12/02/2006 - 03/23/2008
  • Re-View: Arts of India & the Islamic Lands, Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 04/26/2008 - 06/01/2013
  • 32Q: 3620 University Study Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 01/28/2023 - 05/07/2023

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu