The Khorasan region encompassed areas of northeastern Iran, southern Turkmenistan and northern Afghanistan. From the mid-twelfth century until the Mongol invasions of 1219, Khorasan metalworkers specialized in producing luxury objects of hammered metal with inlaid decoration. On this ewer, the elegant and precise surface designs include arabesques within medallions or cartouches placed so as to enhance the undulating profile of the vessel. A band of calligraphic inlay around the neck conveys auspicious wishes in unbroken repetition: “Glory and prosperity and wealth, and endurance, and….”