A Large Mamluk Silver-inlaid Bowl, Egypt, Circa 1300

of deep, rounded form decorated with an engraved inscription around the rim separated by medallions of floral designs and pairs of ducks, against a foliate ground

patination consistent with age, two cracks beneath the rim approx. 3cm long, some repairs, 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
al-janab al-'ali al-mawlawi al-ma/liki al-'alimi al-'adili al-ghaz/i al-mujahidi al-murabiti al-mathaghiri al-mu'ayyadi / al-makhdumi al-kafili al-mudabbiri al-qawami / al-sayyidi al-zahiri ....... (restored)...../ ... al-ghiyathi al-maliki al-nasiri

'His High Excellency, the Lord, the Possessor, the Learned, the Just, the Conqueror, the Holy warrior, the Defender, the Protector of frontiers, the one Helped (by God), the Well-served, the Viceroy, the Leader, the Support, the Master, the Help ..... (restored), the Rescuer (Ghiyath al-Din), [the officer of] al-Malik al-Nasir.'

This particular bowl is distinct among other rounded bowls produced by Mamluk metalworkers due to its unusually large size. Bowls of a similar design tend to have been smaller (see Atil 1981, p.96, pl.29) whereas bowls of these proportions have generally differed in style, usually incorporating a wide everted rim (see Ward 1993, p.111, pl.88).

The use of inlaid brass became extremely popular during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, being considered an effective alternative to gold and silver, and was patronised widely by the elite classes. This was particularly so in relation to the Mamluk pieces which, as this example's inscription testifies, appear to "...trumpet the social position of their owner so loudly that the vessels seem intended more as vehicles of propaganda than for pleasure and appreciation." (Ward, 1993, p.95).