A Mamluk brass basin, Egypt or Syria, circa 1300

of deep, rounded form, with inscription engraved around the rim in large script on a vegetal ground, separated by medallions depicting floral motifs and ducks, with a lower band of scrolls with downward-pointing slender palmettes, the inside base with a ring of drilled holes and incised segmented roundel encircled by a band of fishes

Bumps and dents to the exterior, some abrasions and areas of patination consistent with age, two small 1 x cm areas have been restored to the base, 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."

inscription

al-maqarr al-karim al-'ali al-mawlawi al-amiri al-kabiri al-maliki al-ghazi al-mujahidi al-murabiti al-muthaghiri al-humami al-nazami al-'alimi al-'amili al-amjadi al-kafili al-maliki al-nasiri

'For the honourable Authority, the High, the Lordly, the Great Emir, the Possessor, the Holy-warrior, the Defender, the Protector of frontiers, the Valiant, the Orderly, the Learned, the Diligent, the Glorious, the Viceroy, [an officer of] al-Malik al-Nasir.'

A Mamluk brass basin made for an officer of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala'un (r. 1294-1340).

During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries inlaid brass was considered an effective alternative to gold and silver and was patronised widely by the elite classes.  Once inlaid with silver, this brass basin would have been an impressive example of Mamluk metalwork production of this period.  By the early 14th century, pieces such as this had come to display large and bold inscriptions of personal aggrandisement, reflecting the court taste of the day.

A bowl sharing similar designs to this example can be found in the British Museum (see Ward 1993, p.112, pl.89).  The swimming fish engraved in the interior suggest that these bowls were designed to hold water and were probably used for ablutions.