Description
SOLD: Rare & Beautiful Islamic bronze Seljuk bowl over 800 years old
This piece is a really magnificent work of Islamic Art dating from the 12th Century.
The colour is just wonderful – metal workers would mix tin with copper and bronze in different quantities which resulted in variations in the colour of the final product. This bowl is really unusual and RARE because there is more tin than copper giving this piece an amazing deep silver-grey colour.
We have only seen a couple of similar coloured bowls from this period as most are the usual brown-red bronze colour or copper-red colour.
The other amazing thing about this bowl is the exceptional condition that it is in as most bowls of this period have some corrosion, damage or loss.
This medieval Islamic bowl is in excellent condition.
A corroded example of a Seljuk bowl is available for $10,000 from a US dealer (please refer to image provided). The corroded example also has a less complex shape.
The most important factor that makes this bowl truly exceptional is the shape and the design. There are several design aspects that make this medieval Islamic bronze bowl highly desirable.
Firstly, most medieval Islamic bowls do not have a foot.
This one has what is known as a splayed pedestal foot.
The foot actually starts in an octagonal shape then narrows where is meets the underside of the bowl. What is really wonderful about this bowl is the way that the metal worker has added facets (edges) around the side of the bowl that blend in the octagonal shape.
This is real craftmanship at it’s highest quality. A lot of skill is required to work a piece of metal from an octagonal shape into a circular bowl. Not only does it require skill but it would cost more for the person who ordered this to be made.
The inscriptions on this type of bowl and similar Islamic metal work tend to be benedictory (prayers) or religious inscriptions.
The following are the typical style of inscriptions taken from similar items:
“Glory, prosperity, wealth & perpetual happiness…[to the owner]”
“Glory, prosperity, perpetual happiness and longevity to the owner”.
“Glory, prosperity, perpetual happiness and longevity to the owner”.
“Glory, peace and perpetual…quietitude…[to the owner]”
“Glory, prosperity, wealth, happiness, peace and…joy & blessings to the owner”.
This rare early bowl is complete and in very good condition with excellent patination and wear that is expected of such ancient pieces.
However, these are minor blemishes when taking into consideration the overall exceptional condition. There are a couple of small areas of verdigris but these are insignificant and stable.
This bowl sits 110mm high with a diameter (at widest) of 160mm.
From a Private London Collection formed in the 1960’s.
Prices are negotiable within reason so please contact us if you wish to discuss an item that is of interest.
If you purchase more than one item, we will offer a discount and combine shipping.
Shipping will be at cost and the buyer is responsible for any import/export fees or taxes.
We only ship using tracked services that require a signature on delivery.
Viewing is strictly by appointment and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required as no items are stored on site.
All of our Islamic Art is guaranteed to be genuine and as described.
We also further guarantee that our artefacts are legitimately sourced.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE
All items are guaranteed genuine and as described.
A Certificate of Authenticity is provided on request.
Payments must be made in UK GBP£Sterling unless otherwise agreed.
We are not responsible for any import taxes, fees and charges collected in your country.
Please contact us before making any returns so we can issue a return order number.
Returns can only be made if a written statement from a national museum or international auction house provides evidence that an item is not as described.
Please note that any returns will be subject to a 10% return fee to cover any costs incurred.