Harvard Art Museums > 2001.203: Vase with Inscriptions Vessels Collections Search Exit Deep Zoom Mode Zoom Out Zoom In Reset Zoom Full Screen Add to Collection Order Image Copy Link Copy Citation Citation"Vase with Inscriptions (Unknown Artist) , 2001.203,” Harvard Art Museums collections online, Apr 24, 2024, https://hvrd.art/o/167161. Reuse via IIIF Toggle Deep Zoom Mode Download This object does not yet have a description. Identification and Creation Object Number 2001.203 People Unknown Artist 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 Permissions The Harvard Art Museums encourage the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. To request a higher resolution file of this image, please submit an online request. 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
