A cast brass brazier with openwork decoration, Khurasan, Persia, 13th/14th century

of hexagonal form, each side decorated with cut openwork featuring a dragon and lion or tiger entwined, with a band of palmettes above and below, supported on legs of bowed form and crowned by ribbed conical finials, with paired bird motifs above each section, two foliate handles to sides

In general good condition, slightly loose, with some oxidisation to surface and ware 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."

A fragment of a brazier, formerly in the Harari Collection, features a very similar design with a dragon and tiger entwined in combat, published by Pope and Ackermann (Pope and Ackermann 1938-9, p.1379, no.B) as fourteenth century. Another fragment in the David Collection, Copenhagen, features the same motif, and is published as thirteenth/fourteenth century, following Pope's attribution (von Folsach 2001, p.313, no.500). The present brazier is accompanied by a metallurgical report from Oxford University confirming that the composition is consistent with a 13th/14th-century date of manufacture.