Pierced Jug with Harpies and SphinxesEwerA.H. 612/ A.D. 1215–16Iran, probably KashanStonepaste

Pierced Jug with Harpies and Sphinxes
Ewer
A.H. 612/ A.D. 1215–16
Iran, probably Kashan
Stonepaste; openwork decoration, polychrome painted under turquoise glaze

This jug has a carved and pierced outer shell that surrounds a solid inner container. The openwork with harpies, sphinxes, quadrupeds, and scrolls was first painted with touches of black and cobalt blue, and then the entire jug was covered in a turquoise glaze. The Persian verses around the rim were written by the poet Rukn al‑Din Da'vidar Qummi, and an anonymous love poem near the base includes the date of production.