An extremely elegant Persian jug made of brass and copper. It has a long, slender neck interrupted by a protuberant middle. The belly of the vessel is wide and sits on a conical, outward foot (height: 6.5 cm). The foot of the jug is, on the inside and on its outer edge, covered all-round with chased copper. The neck, belly and foot are round. The sidelong, almost vertical, towering, long and narrow spout is faceted (angular). The upper end of the spout is smooth and crafted in the shape of a floral rosette. The whole jug is made of brass, cast in parts (vessel, spout and foot) and assembled together; the outside is completely covered with highly elaborate and accomplished engravings in the typical Safavid style (Safavid Dynasty in Persia: 1501–1722). Rows of palmettes and arabesques fill bands that run around the neck, on the ‘shoulder’ and on the feet of the jug. The wide, middle band of decoration on the ‘belly’ of the vessel displays, between spiralling, interwoven leafy and floral tendrils, three rows of framed medallions with depictions of animals. In both the smaller upper and lower rows of medallions are engraved images of birds. The larger medallion running round the middle of the belly of the jug displays hunting scenes with animals: a lion tears into a gazelle, another predatory animal hunts a hare etc. Furthermore the long, narrow spout of the jug is also just as densely engraved up to its smooth upper end. It is covered in engraved double, parallel, linear zigzag bands that change direction at each facet edge. Bands of floral ornamentation run in between. The unusually old age of this Persian jug is not only recognisable from its distinct Safavid pattern, but also from its very old traces of use. Where the jug has been held on the neck and on the spout, the deeply engraved pattern in the metal is already smooth and ‘softly’ worn and in some parts has completely disappeared (as on the ‘bulge’ of the neck) due to many years of use. A piece in prime original condition, with an excellent patina and no damage.
Height: 38 cm; diameter: c. 17 cm (belly of the jug). 17th / 18th century.

Provenance:
Pursuant to information supplied by the consigner, the present Persian jug has been the property of an Austrian family for more than 100 years. (ME)