KHORASAN BRONZE BIRD EWER Ca. AD 1100 - 1300 An Islamic Khorasan copper alloy ewer in the shape of a bird, probably an eagle, with a rudimentary rendition of the feathers and stylised body with a spread tail. The head is raised and surmounted by a high moulded geometric decoration. Despite theological objections, animals constituted a major part of Islamic art iconography. Metal animal-shaped vessels, such as the one displayed here, which was used to pour water for hand-washing, are exemplary specimens of this trend. For similar see: The Khalili Collection, MTW 846. Size: 400mm x 370mm; Weight: 2.03kg Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. This piece comes with an authentication report by Sami Fortune, ancient jewellery specialist.