Jug, 900s. This jug is one of the rare surviving Islamic vessels made entirely of precious metal. Its inscription bands contain Arabic poetry that translates, in part: "You are the image of the full moon at night, the first gleam of sun on the horizon of the morning. You are a sword in the times of war, a beneficent rain in times of peace . . . your sword cuts the necks of Buyid enemies in great quantities . . . Glory and prosperity to the just king Samsam al-Dawla . . . May God lengthen your reign!"