Back to List

Work of Art Details

Zoom In +

Ewer

Description: In a notable artistic innovation, medieval Islamic artisans used precious metals- gold, silver, and copper- to decorate bronze and brass objects. The richly decorated surface of this ewer features multiple bands of Arabic inscriptions and scalloped medallions enclosing musicians, enthroned figures, hunters, and other scenes characteristic of medieval Islamic art.

The presence of the artist's signature here is noteworthy since the medieval Islamic artisan generally remained anonymous. Yunus ibn Yusuf styles himself al-naqqash, or decorator, probably signifying that he was responsible for executing the inlaid designs. He also ends his name al-Mawsili, meaning "from Mosul," a famous metalworking center in northern Iraq. However, Yunus ibn Yusuf could just as easily have been working in Syria, where metal workshops produced similar inlaid vessels during the 13th century.

Artist: Yunus ibn Yusuf al-naqqash al-Mawsili (Iraqi or Syrian)
Created: 1246-1247 (AH 644)
Medium: brass with silver inlay
Dimensions: 17 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (44.5 x 31.8 x 16.5 cm)

Inscriptions & Markings: [Signature] Yunus ibn Yusuf al-naqqash al Mawsili; [Date] A.H. 644; [Translation] Glory to our lord, the sultan, the royal.

Technique: engraved

Culture: Islamic

Period: Crusader

Dynasty: Mamluk

Country: Iraq (?)

Language: Arabic

Provenance: Dikran Kelekian, New York and Paris; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1917, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Line: Acquired by Henry Walters, 1917
Accession No. 54.456