Lot 229
  • 229

A rare Mamluk engraved-brass basin from the reign of Sultan Qaytbay (1468-1496), Egypt, late 15th century

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • brass
the rounded, slightly convex body with faceted sides leading to a hammered lower ridge with engraved decoration arranged in panels containing alternating inscriptions and entwined split-palmettes, the underside hammered with s-shaped grooves containing dense vegetal scrolls, engraved roundel with heraldic blazon at centre of interior

Provenance

Ex-collection 'M.C.'

Literature

A.S. Melikian Chirvani, 'Cuivres inédits de l’Epoque de Qa’itbay', in Kunst des Orients, vol. 6, H.2, 1969, pp.99-133, figs.5,6,7a,b.

Condition

In good overall condition, old inventory numbers written to interior edge in a European hand "6761, 8700, 8550", some minor dents, oxidisation and associated rubbing with resulting discoloration, particularly to base as consistent with age and use, two very minor re-soldered restoration, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions

‘One of what was made for the Authority , the Honourable Authority, the Honourable, the High, the High, the Lordly, the Great Amir, the Possessor, the Well-served, the Well-served, the Valiant …/ the Great, the Orderly, the Just, the Conqueror, the Learned, the Just, the Diligent, the Valiant … the Master, the Master, the Possessor, may his victories be glorified’

See footnote to following lot.