Wall Fountain

Date1800/1850

MediumMolded glazed composite body with polychrome underglaze decoration

ClassificationsCeramics

Dimensions36 1/2 inches × 65 inches (92.71 × 165.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Wilson W. Mills

Object number54.194

DescriptionFacing for a wall fountain composed of ten molded, underglazed painted tiles. The top two panels represent Yusuf (Joseph) sold into slavery. The right panel shows the enthroned king of Egypt with courtiers and below, his wife Zulaikha's jewels are weighed. On the left, Yusuf with a flame-like halo, is seated among young nobles while, at the lower left, an old woman offers skeins of thread to buy him. A line of Persian inscription from the poem ¦Yusuf and Zulaikha¦ by the Persian 15th century poet Jami, runs along the bottom of the two panels. "Enough though little be in my hand, among the purchasers let me stand." This refers to the old woman's humble offer for Yusuf which is outbid by Zulaikha's jewels. The entire verse would have read: "She caught up a handful of yarn and cried 'No gold or silver to show have I, But this will admit me with those who would buy'". Representations of heroes fighting beasts and mythical creatures frame the wall fountain. Other scenes below the main panels depict male and female courtiers entertained by musicians and dancers. Winged peris or angels with trumpets flank the arched opening for the fountain itself.

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