The red earthenware ewer coated with a white ground slip on which decoration is painted in black. The cylindrical body is painted with scrolls and geometric patterns covering also the neck and the tall upward pointing spout. This vessel betrays a zoomorphism which is evident from looking from the handle, where some hidden facial features are to be found like the large roundels on the neck, indicating the eyes. This type of vessel had apparently some magical connotation and was probably used as a drinking vessel in ceremonial occasions. For a discussion on this type of vessel and comparable examples see:
J.Kalter ed, Uzbekistan. Heirs to the Silk Road, 1997: no.271. Zoomorphic ewer, buff earthenware with painted black decoration; it stands on four short feet and has a cylindrical neck with a tall and straight spout and a handle on the back; geometrical patterns and scrolls are painted in black on the body, the neck and spout. Central Asia, 7th – 9th century.
Comparative material: there are large number of similar zoomorphic ewers in several public and private collections, but so far hardly any has been published. For such examples, cf. Fehérvári, 2000, cat.nos.249-252, pp.195-96. Prof. Geza Fehervar Prof. Geoffrey Kin