A post-Sasanian silver and silver-gilt ewer, Persia, 8th century

of bulbous form standing on a tall waisted foot, the tapering neck leading to an open flat spout, the scrolling handle surmounted by a knob finial and attached to the neck and body by terminals in the shape of male and female deer heads, the foot and shoulder with a globular ring between two bands of silver gilt

This item is in good overall condition. It has been partly cleaned and restored. The restored area shows minor signs of darkening and very minor dents. The area that has not been restored shows signs of oxidation and darkening throughout. As viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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Notable for their elegance and practicality, silver and silver-gilt ewers of this kind were produced in Iran and Mesopotamia during the 5th-8th centuries AD. The most refined examples, however, were reserved for use at the court of Sasanian and post-Sasanian royals, as evidenced by scenes found on contemporary metalwork. A silver-gilt plate from the late 7th/early 8th century AD, now at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersbourg, depicts a ewer of identical form amongst servants and musicians who are entertaining a kingly figure at a banquet (Splendeur des Sassanides, Brussels, 1993, p.210, no.64).

The deer heads present at the extremities of the handle indicate that this object is from the late Sasanian/post Sasanian period. The use of animal heads for this purpose dates to the first half of the 6th century, becoming more prominent during the ensuing two centuries. A gold ewer from the 5th-8th century AD with very similar handle terminals is also at the Hermitage Museum (see ibid, p.248, no.97).

A further comparable 8th-9th century ewer from Iran or Iraq is now in the David Collection in Copenhagen (see Kjeld von Folsach, Art from the World of Islam, Copenhagen, 2001, p.294, no.450).