A FINE PERSIAN SELJUK BRONZE JUG,
Seljuk Persia, 12th century

Of tapering conical form upon a flared pedestal foot. The tapering lid features a rounded finial and a lion figure upon handle, 22cm high.

Drawing on the rich visual culture of the Seljuk period, the silver inlay likely features scrolling arabesques, interlacing vegetal motifs, and geometric patterns. These elements were a ubiquitous feature of Seljuk art, adorning everything from architecture to textiles. The precise motifs would have held both aesthetic and symbolic value, reflecting the refined tastes of the Seljuk court and the Islamic world they ruled. The lion was a favoured animal in the visual culture of the Seljuk period and features in the art and architecture of the region. The quality of the inlay work is testament to the exceptional skills of the Seljuk metalworkers. Each piece of silver would have been meticulously cut and then hammered into the bronze, creating a seamless and visually stunning effect. This technique, known as tausi, demanded a high degree of precision and artistic vision.