Bath Pail (Satl)
Unknown Artist
c. 1580–1610
Medium
cast brass, turned, engraved, inlaid with black compound (niello)
Dimensions
h. 17 cm · diameter of base 11 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Rosenberg & Stiebel, Inc.
Accession Number
1969.291
About this artwork
Building on the tradition of ancient Roman baths, the hammam (public bath) was, and still is, an integral part of social life in the Islamic world. This pail was used to carry bathing equipment for a wealthy individual from their home to the hammam. It is decorated with an interlacing geometric design with a central band of repeating animals. Bathing was a popular theme with Iranian poets. On this piece, verses by the celebrated poet Jami (died 1492) relay the story of a youth inquiring as to wh...