PROBABLY MAMLUK SYRIA, EARLY 16TH CENTURY

This is a particularly fine example of the most delicate subgroup of inlaid brass vessels which have been grouped together under the heading "Veneto-Saracenic". This subgroup, of which the majority are bowls similar in form to the present example, is typified by fine silver-inlaid lines enclosing panels of very finely engraved interlaced designs. Four craftsmen are known to have signed works of this group: Mahmud al-Kurdi, Zayn al-Din [b. 'Umar], Muhammad b. 'Ali b. Husayn and Muhammad Badr. Here the variety of scrolling designs within each of the large panels demonstrates clearly the hand of a master; unfortunately it is not signed. The work is similar to that of Zayn al-Din, but the silver lacks the split palmette terminals he tends to use (Curatola, G. and Spallanzani, M.: Islamic Metalwork in the Grand Ducal Collection, Florence, 1981, pp.17-19 for example). For further discussions of the group and its possible origins, please see Allan, James: Metalwork of the Islamic World, the Aron Collection, London, 1986, pp.55 sqq. and Melikian-Chirvani, A.S.: "Venise, entre l'orient et l'occident", Bulletin des études orientales, Paris, 1974).