Cleveland Museum of Art

Jug

Date

late 900s

Medium

gold with repoussé and chased and engraved decoration

Culture

Iran or Iraq, Baghdad, Buyid Period, reign of Samsam al-Dawla (985-998 AD)

Department

Islamic Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This jug is one of the rare surviving Islamic vessels made entirely of precious metal. Its inscription bands contain Arabic poetry that translates, in part: "You are the image of the full moon at night, the first gleam of sun on the horizon of the morning. You are a sword in the times of war, a beneficent rain in times of peace . . . your sword cuts the necks of Buyid enemies in great quantities . . . Glory and prosperity to the just king Samsam al-Dawla . . . May God lengthen your reign!"

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