Ewer with Peacocks
12th century
Description
This purple-glazed ewer has a bulbous body and a tapering neck with a wide, flaring mouth. Its relief decoration features a broad band of confronting peacocks, their necks intertwined, alternating with pear-shaped floral motifs. Above this main band is a narrower one with scrolling vines. The foot of the ewer has been left unglazed. On one section of the peacock band the glaze has pooled, perhaps due to an error in the firing process. The vessel has been repaired, especially in the area of the mouth.
Dimensions
H: 24.3 x Diam: 15.5 cm (9 9/16 x 6 1/8 in.)
Provenance
Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood, Belmont, MA (by 1978-2002), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2002.
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