- 60
Two Brass Magic bowls, Syria and Algeria, 12th century and 16th century
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
the first of small shallow rounded form engraved on the interior with a scorpion, a dog, a snake and a two-headed dragon encircled by talismanic diagrams and inscriptions, exterior rim with a narrow band of calligraphy; the other of shallow rounded form with a raised omphalos with flattened sides engraved with a knot motif, encircled by alternating ovals and roundels filled with talismanic inscriptions bordered by strap work intercepting talismanic diagrams, the exterior rim with a calligraphic band
Condition
the larger with drill hole to rim, minor pitting and patination and minor dents to exterior base; the smaller with patches of patination throughout and oxidisation to exterior, 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."
"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
1) Talismanic and magic inscriptions (non historic).
2) Quotations from the Qur'an, talismanic and magic inscriptions (non historic).
The larger bowl is closely related to an example in the Musée National des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie Paris that is attributed to sixteenth-century Algeria (see Paris 1996, p.226, no.188). The smaller bowl belongs to a group known as 'poison cups' believed to be a cure or deterrent from scorpion stings and the bites of dogs and snakes. All of the recorded 'poison cups' appear to be of Syro-Egyptian manufacture. See Khalili et al. 1997, p.74, for a further discussion of this group.