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Today at the Museum

February 9, 2010

"Spotlight" on Temptation, by William-Adolphe Bourguereau, Gallery 357

12:30 – 12:50 p.m.

Ewer
Title:Ewer
Date:c. 1700
Medium:Bidri ware Bronze inlay with brass
Dimensions:13 7/8 x 10 3/4 in. (35.24 x 27.31 cm)
Creation Place:Asia, India
Credit Line:The Katherine Kittredge McMillan Memorial Fund
Accession Number:82.10.4
Location:G243
Found only in India, bidri describes a metalwork technique wherein objects are cast from an alloy predominately of zinc with small portions of lead, copper, and tin. The surface of the metal is engraved and the designs are inlaid with silver or brass. The final stage is to darken the base surface with ammonium chloride and copper sulfate. This creates a matt black ground against which the silver and brass pattern show off brilliantly.