The "Abraham of Kütahya" Ewer
- Gallery: Room 43
- Culture: Ottoman dynasty
- Made in: Iznik
- Date: 11 March 1510 (dated)
- Object type: jug
- Materials: pottery
- Museum number: G.1
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
Before you is "The Abraham of Kütahya" Ewer, a stunning blue-and-white glazed jug made in the bustling ceramic town of Iznik under the Ottoman dynasty. This elegant vessel showcases the refined style of Iznik pottery, known for its intricate designs and vibrant cobalt blues. The jug features a scaly dragon-shaped handle, a curved spout, and a flaring rim.
The body is painted with detailed patterns: split-palmette arabesques above the rim, foliate scrolls below, and darts enclosing leafy brackets on the shoulder. A notable Armenian inscription runs along the base, reading: "This vessel is in commemoration of Abraham, servant of God, of Kütahya. In the year 959 (1510 AD), March 11th."
This ewer was created by Armenian potters in Kütahya, a region known for its rich cultural mix. Its design reflects the artistic achievement of Ottoman court wares, while the inscription highlights the diverse communities that produced and commissioned such works.
See it in person
The "Abraham of Kütahya" Ewer is on display in Room 43 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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