Jug, Iran, Türkiye or Central Asia, AH 905–57/1500–50 CE, Nephrite Jade © The Al Thani Collection. All rights reserved. Photography by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.

This jug was created from nephrite jade around AH 905–57 / 1500–50 CE in Iran, Türkiye or Central Asia. Its body is finely carved with small details, such as the palmette at the base of the handle, executed with exquisite refinement and delicacy, and with side walls so thin that light shines through. It is currently on view at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where a selection of the Collection’s masterpieces from Islamic lands are on display in AlMuqtani (“Homage”), the section which recognises the outstanding contribution that individual collectors have made to the appreciation and understanding of Islamic visual and material culture.

Since the 11th century, jade has been associated with the Turkic peoples of Central Asia, with scientist and thinker Al-Beruni (AH 362–439/973–1048 CE) describing it as the “victory stone” which the Turks used to decorate their arms and armour. The association between jade and power continued under the Mongols and their successors, the Timurids, who ruled over much of 10th-century AH/15th-century CE Iran and Central Asia.