A Silver-Inlaid Cast Brass Casket (dorj), Western Persia, First half 14th Century

of rectangular form with coffered cover resting on four shaped feet, chiselled, chased and inlaid with traces of silver and black niello, the sides and top decorated with roundels enclosing a seated musician on a scroll ground bordered by vine and chain bands, the cover with pseudo-calligraphic panels

patination, hinges and lock plate missing with associated losses, loss and rubbing to silver inlay, small area of loss and splitting to rim of cover, 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."

This casket is of a type attributed by Melikian-Chirvani to Western Iran (Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.195-197, no.89).  A similar example is in the David Collection, Copenhagen (von Folsach 2001, p.321, fig.513).