black inlay medium

Ingredients

tin, copper, black inlay medium

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The copper base is coated in tin to provide a white, silver-like tint (p. 106). This process of tinning was used not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functional protection to prevent the release of toxins from the copper base (p. 106). The vessel also features a black inlay medium used to fill or highlight decorative areas (p. 106).

Evidence

"Material: tinned copper, black inlay medium... This ewer is characterized by its white silver tone indicating it may have been produced of tinned copper in which the copper base is coated in tin to give a white tint and prevent poisonous release from the copper base metal."

Remarks

The vessel (AIA.00494.0000) features a Persian inscription indicating a date of 905 Hijri (1499-1500 AD). It contrasts with earlier Iranian ewers typically made of bronze or brass (p. 106).