CRIMEA OR UZBEKISTAN, 14TH/15TH CENTURY

Details

AN UNUSUAL GOLDEN HORDE PARCEL GILT SILVER VESSEL
Crimea or Uzbekistan, 14th/15th century
Of spherical form with boat shaped opening at top, one side with applied tapering downcurved tubular handle terminating in a gilt dragon's head, the silver body engraved and chased with a lower lozenge medallion containing floral motifs against a ring-pounced ground, leading to rosettes or other cusped floral panels, a band of meandering vine around the mouth, a band of lappets around the base of the handle, slight denting and corrosion, basically good condition
5 3/8in. (3.6cm.) long

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

The shape of this unusual vessel is very similar to that of the glass alembics of which a number have been found at different sites in Persia (Kröger, Jens: Nishapur, Glass of the Early Islamic Period, New York, 1995, nos.239-243, pp.186-8). In the present example however there is no hole pierced through the wall at the top of the tube; what was originally a spout is in the present vessel a handle.

The decoration relates very closely to a series of wine cups from Central Asia. For further details on their attribution please refer to the notes on two examples offered in these Rooms, 1 May 2001, lots 228 and 235.

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