Islamic Art

Double-Walled Ewer in the Form of a Rooster

Late 12th-early 13th century; Persian, Seljuk Dynasty; Ceramic; height 27 cm (6 3/4 in.); Founders Society Purchase with funds from the Founders Junior Council, Henry Ford II Fund, Benson and Edith Ford Fund and J. Lawrence Buell, Jr., Fund; 1989.34

This rare double-shelled ewer imitates in ceramic the Seljuk metalwork technique of openwork decoration, a masterpiece in the annals of pottery production.

A pierced outer shell representing deer, sphinxes, and human-headed birds covers a solid inner shell designed to hold the liquid contents. Inscriptions and willow leaves encircle the lower body and neck, above which rises a rooster's head with an open crest to receive liquid and a pierced beak for pouring. The rooster, perhaps identified here as the Simurgh (a magical being able to protect against evil) in this case possibly was intended to guard the owner of the ewer from poison. LINK