Kashan Turquoise-Glazed Pottery Ewer

12th or early 13th century, Kashan, Iran (Persia)

Magnificent and rare turquoise-glazed Kashan ewer of metalwork form on a short straight unglazed foot with slightly tapering cylindrical body moulded with vertical flutes. The rounded sloping shoulder leading to a slender neck. The horizonal tubular spout moulded with circular opening and the curved handle. In the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries Iran (Persia) was ruled by various dynasties, the most important of which were the Buyids and the Seljuqs. Kashan was a Persian city known for producing high-quality pottery during the medieval period. The town was well-situated, near sources of minerals needed to create their distinctive light-colored stone pastes called "frit-ware". Copper oxide was one of the raw materials used to color glazes. When copper oxide is used in a lead glaze, it turns a abundant, green color, while it becomes more turquoise in an alkaline glaze. Alkaline glazes, perhaps best known for producing the classic Egyptian turquoise color, date back thousands of years and were found in Persia, China, and Mesopotamia. 

Superb small-sized ewer are in excellent condition. Intact. Rich turquoise glaze thinning at the edges and attractively pooling and darkening in the recesses. Intentional glaze crackling and discoloration to the glaze due to misfiring. Absolutely gorgeous encrusted patina. Age-related wear and extensive iridescence. Size approx. 13,8cm x 7,5cm x 7,5cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection