Anthropomorphic calligraphy, also referred to as human-headed naskh, was unique to metalwork made in Eastern Iran and Mosul, in present-day Iraq, during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. On this vessel the upright shafts of the letters terminate in heads with facial features. In other examples, the shapes of the letters act as the arms and legs of figures. This short-lived style reflects the ingenuity and playfulness of the artist-designer.
Credit: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1963
Late 13th-early 14th century
Bronze; cast with handle cast separately, chased, engraved, inlaid with silver and gold
21.7cm
63.158.3
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection