Ca. 1100-1200 AD. An ewer, imbued with timeless grace and beauty. This exquisite piece stands proud on its flaring, concave foot, its baluster form rising majestically to a domed lid crowned by a graceful bird finial. The rivetted handle is adorned with a feline animal, evocative of the wild and untamed spirit of the Seljuk people. The handle joins the neck with the body, creating an elegant curve that complements the graceful lines of the vessel. But it is the body itself that truly commands attention, adorned with multiple registers of fine calligraphy and decorative roundels. The elegant calligraphy adorning the body of this remarkable ewer may be a testament to the patron of the vessel or an expression of religious or poetic devotion, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to this already fascinating piece. The Seljuk Empire, which flourished from the 11th to the 14th century, was renowned for its mastery of metalworking, and the intricate details and flawless execution of this ewer bear witness to their unparalleled expertise.Size: L:230mm / W:160mm ; 1.2kgProvenance: Private London collection; ex. UK art market prior to 2000.