A Monumental tinned Copper Tray with Armenian inscriptions, Probably Western Armenia, 17th Century

of large shallow round form, engraved with a central six-pointed star with foliate decoration, surrounded by a row of split-palmettes and arabesques, with further bands containing geometric motifs, the outer edge issuing alternating stylised cyprus trees, double-handled vessels, a flowerhead stem and arabesque motif, the external peripheries with Armenian inscriptions

In general good condition, some patination to engraved decoration and rubbing to surface, some scratches and ware to reverse consistent with use, 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

The first inscription is by the maker of the tray inscribed at the behest of the Armenian sponsor:

ԿԱՐԱՊ[Ե]ՏԻ  ՈՐԴԻ ԱՐՎԱՆԻՆ Է

karap[e]ti ordi arvanin e [to]arvani son of karapet

The name Arvan is recorded in an Armenian manuscript dated 1683 AD (H. Acaryan, Dictionary of Personal Names, Vol.I, Erevan,1942). It is also the name of a place in Western Armenia, in the region of Balu, adjacent to the Monastery of the Forty Martyrs of St Karapet (i.e. St John the Baptist 'the Forerunner').  

The second inscription has been inserted much later in large capitals:

ԱՐՎԱՆԻ ՈՐԴԻ ՍՕՓԻԱ

Arvani ordi sopia [to]sopia son of arvan 

The first owner has passed the tray on to his son Sopia.

The inscriptions suggest the tray was made for an Armenian and it has remained in the same family.

This monumental tinned copper tray is not only impressive in size but also craftsmanship. Designed throughout with classic motifs from the Ottoman decorative repertoire, another distinctive feature of the tray lies in the two peripheral inscriptions written in Armenian script. These inscriptions were written in two distinguishing types of script; the first a medium-sized clear uncial script (erkatagir) contemporary with the making of the tray, and the second in a large modern script added later.

bibliography

Thirty Centuries of Armenian Metal Art. An exhibition from the Collection of Dr. Paul Z.Bedoukian, AGBU Gallery, New York,1978, "An Early eighteenth Century Tray"

Paul Bedoukian, 'A magnificent Armenian Tray', Revue des Etudes Armeniennes,1973-4, pp.247-259.