This expert opinion is dedicated to an extraordinary, antique jug that is of particular interest due to its nature and origin. It is an object that embodies not only craftsmanship but also a piece of cultural history.

A Testament to Oriental Craftsmanship

This antique jug is a remarkable example of 19th-century Oriental craftsmanship. Its special shape, reminiscent of a gourd, suggests a possible use as part of an oriental water pipe. The object impresses with its detailed workmanship and the traces of its eventful past.

The jug was made of copper, a material that traditionally plays an important role in oriental metal art. The surface is decorated with chased stars on the shoulder and other, barely visible ornaments. These ornaments testify to the artistry of the coppersmith, but are partially worn due to use and time. There are deposits inside and on the neck of the jug, indicating that the object was used. The artisanal connection of the jug in the middle or at the beginning of the shoulder by means of a toothed folding joint, "dovetail seam" or "cramp seam", is another quality feature. The spout is soldered, and the base is placed over the body, folded, hammered and also soldered. The band handle is riveted and soldered.

Overall, there is strong abrasion and there are dents that testify to the long period of use and handling of the object. A test for leaks was not carried out.
The abrasion particularly affects the tinning and the fine chasing, which means that the original patterns are only vaguely recognizable. The dents vary in size and depth, some are superficial, others have deformed the material more severely. There are also slight traces of oxidation on the inside of the jug neck, which could be due to contact with liquids. The transition from the body to the spout shows slight play, which indicates a possible stress on the soldered joint.

The creation of the copper jug in the 19th century places it in an era in which Oriental craftsmanship experienced a heyday. Objects like this jug are not only everyday objects, but also testimonies to a rich cultural tradition. The use of copper as a material and the specific ornamentation techniques are typical of the region and the time.

Due to its age, origin and craftsmanship, the jug is an interesting collector's item. The combination of antique value, oriental aesthetics and the traces of time make it a unique object for lovers and collectors of oriental art objects.