KARACHI, June 3: The National Museum of Pakistan has put a brass-copper surahi (flask) on display as its object of the month, says a press release.

It adds that apart from linear art, which adorns much of Islamic metal work, the historical value lies in the innumerable inscriptions carved on this vessel. “Islamic metal work enjoyed the characteristics of engraved patterns, inscription and decoration, also reflected on the pot. Linear design consists mainly of arabesque, animal ornamentations and Kufic inscription. Inlay is not generally found leafier in the middle of the 12 century when silver and copper, and later gold, were used to ornament bronze vessels.”

The specimen on display is of Iranian origin, which has Islamic inscriptions on it along with a beautiful design.

In the subcontinent, the artisans of metal work were much influenced by foreign values, but the local tradition also remained predominant.