Large Ewer

Location: India, probably the Deccan

Materials: bronze, piece-cast, with pierced and engraved decoration

Dimensions: 53 x 48cm

Accession Number: MTW 1584

Other Notes:

The ewer is a magnificent fusion of the traditional compressed spherical water pots of the Indian sub-continent, with the heritage of Timurid dragon-handled and dragon-spouted vessels as interpreted in the Sultanates of the Deccan. Notably, the cast handle has the head of a makara at the base with a foliate spray in its jaws and a lion’s or a tiger’s head biting the rim.

An almost identical ewer is also in the Collection (MTW 1657; see illustration below).

Bibliography:

J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.359, pp.302–3.