Jug with Horsemen

Jug with Horsemen

Imperialization of Islamic faith

This object is a ceramic jug, decorated with mounted horsemen and Arabic inscriptions, created during the Seljuk period (1180-1250 CE) in Iran. It reflects the artistic sophistication of the Seljuks, who were Turkic rulers who embraced the the transformation of this time period and the combination of Persian and Islamic artistic traditions, such as ceramic creation, calligraphy, and art. This is significant, as it shows how the Islamic civilization was able to develop through the synthesis between regions, embodying the process of merging regional artistic motifs of the horsemen with the calligraphy and symbolism of Islamic tradition, which demonstrates how the Islamic identity was continuously reinterpreted within the new cultural contexts with the expansion of the Islamic faith. It is also relevant to Berkey's argument of the ability to adapt rather than a religious decline, as the artworks reveal the nature of expression within the Medieval Islamic time period. It illustrates how they were able to preserve their central religious beliefs while being able to integrate them into daily expressions of life. The imagery of the horsemen reflects key elements of the Seljuk political identity, such as the idea that they are war horses, which represents the imperialization of the Islamic faith during these times of turmoil, caused by the Crusades. The jug represents a kind of cultural resilience despite the external pressures and shifts in power that were able to be adapted and lived through by the Seljuks throughout the time period of the Crusades.

Unknown, Created in Iran

Image and original data provided by Walter B. Denny

New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Inv. 57.38.2

1180 - 1250 CE / 576 - 648 AH

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Object ; Ceramic Artwork