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HOME :
Islamic Art :
Islamic Sphero-Conical Vessels : Sphero-Conical Vessel with Stamped & Incised Decoration
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Sphero-Conical Vessel with Stamped & Incised Decoration - SF.214
Origin: Central Asia
Circa: 12
th
Century AD
to 13
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
4" (10.2cm) high
Collection: Islamic Art
Style: Islamic
Medium: Earthenware
£4,000.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
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The sphero-conical vessel style of objects form a
distinct group, homogeneously brought together
by their shape and material. Usually, these
objects are the same size. The form is
characterized by the “sphero-conical” shape of
the body, the outline varies, but almost all have
a narrow neck usually with a groove beneath the
lip that would be used to tie a stopper down, and
the opening is usually very small. The colour,
texture and finish will vary. This sphero-conical
vessel is made of light earthenware, and
stamped with circular motifs. Most often, these
objects are dark, fine grained and compact.
Firing appears to be high as to render the object
impenetrable. The thickness of the walls gives
the object weight and strength, and no doubt
helps to improve water tightness.
Objects such as this sphero-conical vessel have
sparked debates in regards to their nature. Many
of these objects appear to have been thrown and
others have a mould-formed upper section.
Rumoured uses of these objects include: hand
grenades or incendiary bombs, a perfume flask,
a fire-blower, a mercury bottle, a beer flask, a
plumb bob, or a rose water sprinkler. One
recently found at Samarra was believed to have
an inscription stating that it was meant to
contain a vintage wine.
It is clear however that these objects can serve a
multitude of purposes and any of these
proposals can be correct. However, one may
ponder why such a very particular and laborious
construction would be necessary to simply
provide the required weight for a plumb bob?
Whatever the case may be, Savage Smith (1997)
explains: Sphero-conical vessels appear to be
confined to the early and medieval Islamic
periods-whatever their function, in later periods
either different vessels were found appropriate,
or the uses they served became extinct.
- (SF.214)
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