Mughal ewer, Islamic India

Copper Lidded Ewer

This copper lidded ewer is constructed in the Persian style but almost certainly is north Indian in origin. It has a good weight and is heavy in the hand. The globular body, which sits on a slightly flared ring foot, rises to a gently gadrooned neck which narrows but then has a gadrooned rounded swelling before continuing on to the mouth. The high-domed, hinged lid is surmounted by a cone-shaped finial.

The shoulder of the body is engraved with several concentric rings. The spout is gently gadrooned and finishes with a cast floral end. The ‘S’ shaped handle is attached to the top of the neck but passes by and not quite meeting the body. The handle has a small degree of geometric engraving.

The patina is superb: it is smooth with a lustrous milk chocolate colour. There are no cracks or holes. There are two relatively minor dents to the body to one side only. These are not unexpected given the ewer’s age.

Zebrowski, M.,

Gold, Silver & Bronze from Mughal India, Alexandria Press, 1997.

UK art market