Description
This rare miniature brass ewer from the Zand Dynasty, dating to 18th-century Persia and likely crafted in Shiraz, reflects the refined artistry and technical skill of Persian metalwork. The ewer features a crescent-topped lid engraved with delicate floral and palmette motifs, a slender curved spout with a dragon-like finial decorated with parallel palmette patterns, and a rounded base adorned with similar ornamental designs.
The body is intricately engraved with narrative scenes framed by floral and leafy borders, including depictions of the Prophet or King Solomon carried by jinn or demons, and a scene from the Shahnameh, showing the hero Rostam in battle with Div-e Sepid, the White Demon Jinn. In Persian mythology, Div-e Sepid (Persian: دیو سپید, “White Div”) is the powerful chieftain of the demons of Mazandaran, known for his great strength and sorcery.
Particularly remarkable is the artist’s achievement in translating painted miniature scenes from the Shahnameh—of Abu’l-Qasem Ferdowsi which is traditionally executed on paper—into detailed engravings on a small brass surface. This required exceptional precision and mastery, demonstrating the high level of talent and creativity among Persian metal artists of the period.
Combining mythological, spiritual, and artistic themes, this Zand-period ewer embodies the storytelling tradition and aesthetic sophistication of Persian decorative metalwork from the 18th century.
