A fine Mamluk silver-inlaid cast brass bowl, Egypt or Syria, first half 14th century

of deep rounded form decorated with an elegant silver-inlaid thuluth inscription on a foliate ground separated by four roundels containing a central palmette surrounded by small florets and leaves, centre of the interior with florette, old collection number to underside of bowl 3956 Rim GERAS

Aton Exner (1882-1952), Austria.
Walter Exner (1911-2003), Austria.
By Descent.
Austrian Private collection (2014-2017).

Aton Exner was an Austrian publisher who donated most of his collection (over two thousand works, mainly from Asia) to the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), Vienna, in 1948.

In general good condition, some traces of cleaning residue, has recently been restored to add the impression of the original 'black compound' in the background, but this can be removed through professional restoration, most of silver remaining although has been rubbed in certain places, minor dents and discoloration due to oxidisation particularly to interior and consistent with age, 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."

inscriptions

'The high imam…/ fortune of the world…/ the bringer of justice, the defender of the borders/ the assisted by God, officer of al-Malik al-Nasir'

This bowl is an exceptional example of Mamluk metalwork. The inscription contains formulaic phrases and blessings ending with ‘officer of al-Malik al-Nasir’. Most probably commissioned by a high-ranking officer at the Mamluk court, the title may refer to two Sultans: Sultan al-Malik al-Nasir [Muhammad ibn Qalawun] (r.1294-1341) or Sultan al-Nasir abu al-Ma’ali Badr al-Din al-Hasan (r.1347-61).

The shape of the present bowl, with rounded, inward sloping sides and a vertical rim, can be compared to an example in the Museo e Gallerie Nazionali di Capodimonte, Naples, inv. no.799 (illustrated in Eredita’ dell’Islam: Arte Islamica in Italia, Venice, 1993, pp.310, no.178). Another is in the Galleria e Museo Estense, Modena, inv. no.2062 (ibid, p.308, no.175). A closely related bowl in the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto (inv. no.AKM610), also features a silver inlaid thuluth inscription with benedictory citations that mentions an officer of al-Malik al-Nasir (Spirit & Life, Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Aga Khan Museum Collection, exh. cat., Geneva, 2007, p.185, no.158). A further close comparable is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (inv. no.2010.218), attributed to the reign of Nasir al-Din Muhammad ibn Qalawun.

The combination of formulaic inscriptions with more organic floral details is typical of Mamluk art, and can be seen on works of various media, including metal, glass, and on architectural monuments. For example, a basin in the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no.Isl 223) attributed to the fourteenth century, was blown in the same shape and decorated in enamel with a calligraphic inscription and lotus flowers.

A gold and silver-inlaid brass dish embazoned with the name of Sultan Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala'un was sold in these rooms, 28 April 2004, lot 105. An armorial candlestick made for the standard bearer of al-Malik al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala'un, attributed to circa 1317, was sold in these rooms, 5 October 2010, A Princely Collection: Treasures from the Islamic World, lot 92.