This Persian jug, dating to around the ca. 12th century, is a beautiful example of Islamic glazed pottery. Crafted in a globular form with a narrow neck, a spout, and a narrow handle, the vessel would have served as both a utilitarian object and a work of art, possibly used for pouring wine, water, or other liquids in domestic or ceremonial contexts.
The jug is finished in a turquoise lead glaze, a color highly prized in Persian ceramics for its vivid, jewel-like quality. Over time, centuries of burial have given the glaze an extraordinary iridescence, where chemical interactions with soil and moisture created shimmering hues of gold, violet, and silver across the surface. This burial sheen, sometimes called “iridization,” is unique to excavated ceramics and transforms the vessel into a piece that is as much geological as it is artistic.
The combination of functional design and radiant surface reflects the strength of Persian ceramic traditions during the medieval period, when turquoise-glazed wares were widely produced in kilns across Iran—including Kashan and beyond—for both local use and export. Today, this jug is valued not only for its craftsmanship and striking color but also for the natural beauty imparted by time, making it a rare survival of Persian ceramic heritage.
