CENTRAL ASIA, 8TH-11TH CENTURY

Details

A WHITE BRONZE CUP
Central Asia, 8th-11th century
Of shallow rounded form on very shallow foot, one side with ring handle surmounted by a pronounced triangular horizontal thumbpiece drilled with circles and circular depressions, the exterior with a band of rope-motif around the foot within a broad band of radiating rounded segments divided by interlaced strapwork, the sides with a band of meandering strapwork linking two staggered rows of circular depressions, lightly pitted, rich brown and red patination
6 1/8in. (5.5cm.) long

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The shape of this cup, particularly with respect to the handle, is very similar to that of a group of small cusped cups of the early Islamic period (see for example one in the L.A. Mayer Memorial Institute for Islamic Art, Jerusalem, published Hasson, Rachel: Early Islamic Glass, exhibition catalogue, Jerusalem, 1979, p.22). The ornament is of a type which is generally thought typical of high tin bronze bowls from the Ghaznavid period in Afghanistan. It can however be found on a number of pieces of other shapes dating from the 9th century, such as an animal headed flask in the Bümiller Collection (Dahnke, Monica: Tierkopf- und Öllampen- Kannen, Bamberg, 1995, no.202., p.74 and cover). A similar cup was sold in these Rooms, 11 April 2000, lot 255.

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