The Harari Hoard

The Harari Hoard, named after collector and researcher of Islamic metal vessels Ralph Harari, is a rare and valuable hoard comprising 20 magnificent silver vessels from the 11th to 12th century. The hoard was discovered in a large pitcher in northern Iran, in the city Nohawad. The treasure trove, which includes perfume bottles, incense vessels, jewelry boxes, drinking utensils, small bowls and horse harnesses, was probably buried by a merchant who, for some unknown reason, was forced to dispense with it. The items in the hoard were made in a variety of styles, and it appears they were made in different workshop and acquired in the Khurasan region of eastern Iran. Their decorative techniques also cover a range of styles: engraving, relief, niello settings and gilding. The decorative features of the items in the hoard are consistent with the features of Islamic art: inscriptions, arabesques, filigree, figures of animals and birds.

This is a rare treasure because the vessels do not bear the names of the owners, they are made of silver and not bronze and brass, as was the custom in Islamic art, due to religious considerations, and they are wonderfully preserved. These vessels are evidence of the fact that, in the upper echelons of Iranian society, this religious-artistic convention was ignored.