EGYPT OR SYRIA, CIRCA 1470-1490

Details

A LARGE LATE MAMLUK TINNED COPPER BASIN
EGYPT OR SYRIA, CIRCA 1470-1490
With slightly rounded base rounded to slightly inverted vertical sides, the rim everted and then with added downward flange, the exterior engraved with a broad band of cartouches containing naskh inscriptions, elaborate knotted kufic inscriptions and dense scrolling designs linked by diaper roundels, bands of fine chevron designs above and below, a fine interlace design near the base, the rim with a band of meandering flowering vine, a few small old repairs around base, surface accretions
19½in. (49.5cm.) diam.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. Please note that the lots of Iranian origin are subject to U.S. trade restrictions which currently prohibit the import into the United States. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries.

Lot Essay

The inscription is a repetition of an Arabic benedictory quatrain, the same verse as is found on lot 25.

The form of the rim of this bowl is most unusual, and may well have been intended to make the bowl easier to lift when full and therefore heavy. The engraved design on this band is very similar indeed to one that is found on two large brass vessels made for Sultan Qaitbay (Esin Atil, Art of the Mamluks, exhibition catalogue, Washington D.C., 1981, nos. 34 and 35, pp.100-103)

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