A Seljuk bronze bird shaped rosewater sprinkler, circa 1200A.D., Khorasan.
This early 13th Century Khorasan rose water sprinkler is similar to a small corpus of surviving vessels probably used as rosewater sprinklers. They were all fashioned in the shape of stylized doves or partridges with moving beaks to dispense liquid.
This one is engraved with two characteristic roundels in the place of its wings with a central geometric perpendicular decoration. These roundels are connected to the neck by an engraved collar and around the back of the bird by three geometric engraved bands. Just below the neck of the bird is a Kufic calligraphic inscription of “الملك لله” (God’s realm). The hollow eyes would have had encrusted semi-precious stones (perhaps turquoises) that are missing now.
The bird vessel stands on two abstracted footed legs that perfectly balance the vessel.
The reddish patina on the body is original.