Aquamanile (Ram-shaped Ewer), lran, Seljuk period (1038- c. 1194), 13th-14th century. Stonepaste with clear turquoise glaze, black underglaze-painted decor, Kashan ware; 17.78 cm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury, 50.46.451.

Although round ceramic sculpture is relatively rare in Islamic art, decorated figures in both metal and ceramic ware were popular in Iran and Turkey during Seljuk rule. The bull shape, shown here in two examples, was the most common, but camel, ram, and lion-shaped vessels have survived as well.