Brass, inlaid with silver, gold and a black organic material
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 12 x 23 x 23 cm (4 3/4 x 9 1/16 x 9 1/16 in)
Type:
Vessel
Origin:
Fars, Iran
Date:
mid 14th century
Description:
The bowl is hammered and turned brass, chased and inlaid with silver, gold and a black organic material. It is decorated with a wide band of thuluth inscriptions interrupted by four medallions.
Decorative kufic letters are interspersed in the vertical shafts of the thuluth inscription.
The four medallions represent a central personage seated on a throne, flanked by two standing attendants who hold maces (?). Blossoms appear under the throne in three medallions whereas a duck is depicted in the fourth scene.
Gold inlay has been applied to the face, hat, and garments of the prince; it also appears on the faces, hats, and maces of the attendants.
The bottom of the bowl has a radiating design forming sixteen units filled with floral motifs. The interior is devoid of decoration.
Inscriptions:
1. (E. Atil, 1981) . . . The inscriptions, written in Arabic, read: "Glory to our master, the great sultan, lord of the guardians (riqab) of nations, the sultan of sultans of the Arabs and Persians, the wise . . . " (^o^.)
2. (Glenn Lowry, exhibition label, "Metalwork," October 1985) . . . The inscription reads: "Glory to our master, the greatest sultan, lord of the necks of nations, the sultan of sultans of the Arabs and non-Arabs, the wise-king (?)."
