Chinese gold vessels known as zhihu 执壶, mostly used for wine (rice wine, grape wine, grains wine, etc) from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Since ancient times, gold has been considered in China a symbol of wealth and social status. Gold was usually reserved for decoration or the making of luxury objects, such as ceremonial tableware and jewellery.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the production of gold objects and ornaments developed widely. Some of the most beautiful pieces were enhanced with precious stones: rubies, spinels, blue, yellow or green sapphires, or any other rare material, such as white or green jade, freshwater pearls, and kingfisher feathers.
Given the value of the metal from which these objects are made, they are relatively rare survivors. As most of the gold items produced during this period were intended for personal use – and not as tomb goods – the ones that have survived are linked to the imperial family.
A NIPPON CORALENE DECORATED HANDLED EWER circa 1909, with beaded glass decoration of stylized flowers on a blue to green satin finish with a magenta "US Patent 1909"
There is a post going around about "What is your favorite piece of art" and I needed to share mine. I discovered it at a traveling exhibit at the Met about everyday objects from antiquity that I cannot recall the name of, but was filled with beautiful pieces. I lovingly refer to this as the "self-absorbed ewer", and it is the most wonderful piece of functional art I've ever seen.
I just get so emotional about this ewer and its poem. Something about how the artist clearly took such pride in the creation of this ewer, and it is the same pride contemporary artists feel for their art. And how this piece, against all the odds, made it through the centuries to tell us about its own beauty and its creator's skill. I'm just really filled with emotions thinking about it.
Transcript of the museum's plaque below the cut:
Ewer
Mahmud b. Muhammad al-Harawi Khurasan, Herat, dated A.H. Sha'ban 577/A.D. December 10, 1181-January 7, 1182
Brass; raised, repousse, engraved, inlaid with copper and silver
Georgian National Museum, Simpn Janashia Museum of Georgia, Tbilisi (19-2008;32)
Inscribed with Persian poetry:
My ewer is the most beautiful ewer of all time
Who in this world has anything like this today?
Everyone who has seen it has said it is very beautiful
No one has seen its equal, for it is unparalleled
Look at the ewer from which spirit is born
It is the water of life that flows from it
Any stream that comes from it into the hand
Creates a new pleasure every moment
Look at the ewer that is praised by everyone
It would be worthy of service to an honored person like you
Every eye that sees it opens wide
And says that nothing could be better than this
This water vessel is made in Herat
Who else could product anything like it (in the world)?
Although the seven stars the Planets of the celestial sphere lift their heads high,
May they look favorably upon him who produces such a ewer
Mercy be on him who makes such a ewer
May he be given silver and gold for making it
May good fortune come to him and caress him in friendship
May affliction be removed and given to his enemies
This vessel represents the epitome of inlaid metalwork from Khurasan, which thrived in the commercial urban center of Herat during the twelfth century until about 1220. It is one of only two inlaid-metal objects securely attributable to Herat. It therefore allows many other brasses-- those that share similarities with respect to shape, medium, and specifically the characteristic repousse techinque applied to animal and figural motifs to be associated with the Herati metal industry. This vessel is, however, distinctive for the long Persian poem inscribed on alternate ribs, praising its beauty and its maker, on whom the seven planets shall look favorably.
Hanns Heinz Ewers, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, translated by Ludwig Lewisohn and Joe E. Bandel (Newcastle Upon Tyne: Side Real Press, 2019). Edition is limited to 350 numbered copies, of which this is number 282.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254644826389
After a Chinese meal a cup of green tea is perfect; it really refreshes your mouth. . . . #reading #lifestyle #plants #bonsai #glassware #book #chaxi #calligraphy #happiness #teapot #ewers #vase #greentea #anjibaicha #refreshes #mothersday #gratitude #teatime☕️ #tealife #teaaddict #chinesefood #beautiful #tea #te #the #sunshine #morimatea https://www.instagram.com/p/BxV5CQNnIdA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rlhvgasq7ju6
