Aquamanile in the Form of a Goose

Location: Iran, Khurasan

Materials: quaternary copper alloy with surface engraving and traces of black compound, the eyes inlaid with turquoise-glazed pottery

Dimensions: 37 x 28.5 x 14cm

Accession Number: MTW 846

Other Notes:

The hollow handle, which is soldered onto the body, has a circular hole for filling the vessel, with a hinged lid in the form of a lion’s mask. The engraved decoration includes interlace roundels at the wing joints; roundels with a deer on the breast, the sides of the neck and the thighs; and an almond-shaped medallion with a stylised peacock below the tail. The beak of the goose is agape and the tail plumage is turned slightly, giving a vivid impression of movement from the back.

Bibliography:

J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.92, pp.90–91.