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Antique 19th Century Middle Eastern Tinned Copper Aftaba / Ewer
A striking large antique Middle Eastern hand-crafted copper ewer, or aftaba, featuring a tall curved pouring spout, substantial bulbous body, narrow cylindrical neck, strap-form handle, and an unusually elaborate hinged domed cover.
The vessel is constructed from heavy-gauge copper and retains extensive traces of its old tinned surface, creating the distinctive mixture of warm exposed copper, dark aged patina, and silvery-gray areas visible throughout. The irregular hammering, tool marks, joined construction, riveted elements, and individually worked decorative details give the piece a strong hand-made character.
One of the most interesting features is the complex two-part lid construction. Beneath the large decorated outer cover is a separate recessed cup/collar-like inner section attached at the center. This inner component has some movement and can rotate slightly, then seats into the vessel opening together with the outer lid. Comparable antique Middle Eastern ewers have been documented with recessed inner lid collars used to locate and stabilize the cover.
The exterior lid is especially decorative, with a pronounced saw-tooth edge, small applied or punched floral bosses, incised ornament, and a tall finial with deeply worked diamond/lattice decoration. The upper hinge and handle assembly also show individually formed and riveted construction.
The long curved spout is another noteworthy feature. Unlike many simpler examples that terminate in a plain cut tube, this example has a thickened, separately worked decorative terminal/end section, giving the pouring end a distinctive sculptural appearance.
The body is relatively restrained by comparison, with concentric hand-worked lines and a narrow band of incised geometric decoration around the shoulder. This contrast between the simpler vessel body and the highly worked lid and fittings is characteristic of traditional utilitarian metalwork that also served a decorative purpose.
Historical / Comparative Research
Tinned copper ewers and aftaba-type vessels were an established part of Middle Eastern metalworking traditions for centuries and were used for pouring water and related household or ceremonial purposes.
Comparable 19th-century tinned copper ewers are preserved and documented in major institutional and specialist references, including:
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art / Freer Study Collection – documented 19th-century tinned copper ewers within its Islamic-world metalwork holdings.
Christie’s – has catalogued multiple antique Middle Eastern copper and tinned-copper ewers from the 19th century, including examples with long spouts, hinged covers, stamped or incised decoration, and hand-worked construction.
W.J.M. Antiques – documents a dated 1863 tinned-copper aftaba constructed from heavy-gauge beaten copper. Of particular interest, its lid is described as being located by a “tapering recessed collet,” providing a useful historical comparison for the unusual recessed inner lid component seen on this example.
Mosaik / Chairish – specialist-market examples identified as late-19th-century Middle Eastern tinned copper ewers show closely related proportions, long rising spouts, hinged decorative lids, hand-hammered construction, and naturally worn antique tinning.
These references are provided for historical and stylistic comparison only. This particular example bears no maker’s mark or inscription that allows a specific workshop or exact place of manufacture to be confirmed.
Approximate Measurements
Height: approximately 12–12.5 inches
Body width: approximately 7 inches
Weight: 3 lb 15.5 oz
Please also review the measurement photographs provided in the listing.
Condition
Antique condition with substantial evidence of genuine age and use. The surface has extensive natural patina, oxidation, discoloration, scratches, rubbing, old tool marks, and areas where the original tinning has worn away, exposing the copper beneath.
The lid, hinge, handle, spout, decorative fittings and inner lid component all show age-related irregularity and wear. The recessed inner cup/collar beneath the lid has some movement and slight rotational play as noted above.
The piece has not been polished or aggressively restored, preserving its aged surface and character. No claim is made that it is watertight or suitable for modern food or beverage use; it is being offered as an antique decorative and collectible metalwork object.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and show the actual condition, construction, patina and details of the piece.
