A MOULDED LEATHER PURSE

细节

A MOULDED LEATHER PURSE
KHORASSAN, NORTH EAST PERSIA, EARLY 13TH CENTURY

Of waisted rectangular form, the front with a flap lifting in two parts to reveal a total of three compartments and tied with a leather thong, the front moulded with a central roundel, the flap also with a roundel containing interlace, the reverse with a central interlace roundel on a ground of scrolling vine, each of the four corners with a roundel containing a deer, surface partly degraded, much of the decoration difficult to read
4¼in. (10.8cm.) high

拍品专文

This is a rare example of a type of wallet which was current in Khorassan in the late 12th/early 13th century. The case consists of two layers of leather folded and stitched at the two long sides with what appears to be leather lace stained green. The back and flap of the two leather layers is lined with a fibrous material, whereas the front layers are left open to form two compartments. A loop on the front is intended to secure a button on the flap.

The decoration is embossed and consists of arabesque scrolls surrounding central roundels with intertwined knots. The embossing was obtained by stone moulds of which the previous lot is a typical example. The stone moulds can be dated to around 1200 AD.