Etched Brass Ewer
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 19th-20th century
height: 35.5cm, diameter at base: 14.2cm
This impressive brass ewer has tapering sides in five segments each
of which is etched with dragon and Buddhistic motifs. The pourer,
which is in the shape of a monk’s hat which is common among
Mongolian and Tibetan teapots and ewers, is covered over with a
tinned cover perforated with a Chinese ‘cash’ symbol through which
water or some other liquid is poured. A separate hole closer to the
pouring rim emits the liquid as it is being poured. The ‘cash’ symbol
maybe purely decorative or it may have imbued the contents with
some sort of luck-bringing qualities.
The handle is attached to the body by means of two hinges allowing
the ewer to be swayed gently from side to side while the handle
remains more or less stationary.
Overall, this is a handsome piece with good patina.
References: a ewer of identical form and ascribed to Ulaanbaatar is
illustrated in Gotuaco, L. et al, Chinese and Vietnamese Blue and
White Wares Found in the Philippines, Bookmark Inc, 1997, p. 61.
Inventory no.: 480
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 19th-20th century
height: 35.5cm, diameter at base: 14.2cm
This impressive brass ewer has tapering sides in five segments each
of which is etched with dragon and Buddhistic motifs. The pourer,
which is in the shape of a monk’s hat which is common among
Mongolian and Tibetan teapots and ewers, is covered over with a
tinned cover perforated with a Chinese ‘cash’ symbol through which
water or some other liquid is poured. A separate hole closer to the
pouring rim emits the liquid as it is being poured. The ‘cash’ symbol
maybe purely decorative or it may have imbued the contents with
some sort of luck-bringing qualities.
The handle is attached to the body by means of two hinges allowing
the ewer to be swayed gently from side to side while the handle
remains more or less stationary.
Overall, this is a handsome piece with good patina.
References: a ewer of identical form and ascribed to Ulaanbaatar is
illustrated in Gotuaco, L. et al, Chinese and Vietnamese Blue and
White Wares Found in the Philippines, Bookmark Inc, 1997, p. 61.
Inventory no.: 480
