- 170
A Zangid carved marble basin, Syria or Jazira, 12th/13th century
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Marble
square section capital re-worked as a stoop or mortar, the surface carved with an ornate calligraphic band near the edge and entwining vines with split-palmettes
Provenance
Purchased by the owner's father in Egypt in 1961 (with receipt)
Condition
In fairly good condition, the surface weathered, with abrasion and wear, consistent with age and use, some scratches and encrustation, some chips to extremities, 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
Qur’an, chapter XVI (naml), verse 10 and XXI (anbiya’), part of verse 30.
The intricately carved split palmette vines and ornate Kufic calligraphy on this basin are typical of a style developed under the Zangid dynasty who ruled from Mosul, Aleppo and Damascus during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
The form of the marble, with a deep rounded recession in the centre and four projections suggest that its original intended use would have been as a mortar. It is most probable that as its function was transformed, possibly as an ablution basin for the courtyard of a mosque or private home, the carved decoration was added, including chapters of the Qur’an. Interestingly, whilst one verse makes a particular allusion to Moses (Surat an-naml), the other refers directly to the qualities of water:
Surah al-'Anbiya, verse 30:
‘Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?’
A large marble basin sharing stylistic qualities with the present example, notably in its carvings of entwining and curling split-palmettes and inclusion of an inscriptive band above, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, inv. no. 335-1903. Of a slightly later era (it is dated to 1277 AD), its inscription gives the name and titles of the local ruler al-Malik al-Mansur Muhammad, the Ayyubid prince who ruled Hama between 1244 and 1284 AD. Another comparable basin, of larger size but similar form, was sold at Bonham’s, 24 April 2012, lot 54.
Qur’an, chapter XVI (naml), verse 10 and XXI (anbiya’), part of verse 30.
The intricately carved split palmette vines and ornate Kufic calligraphy on this basin are typical of a style developed under the Zangid dynasty who ruled from Mosul, Aleppo and Damascus during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
The form of the marble, with a deep rounded recession in the centre and four projections suggest that its original intended use would have been as a mortar. It is most probable that as its function was transformed, possibly as an ablution basin for the courtyard of a mosque or private home, the carved decoration was added, including chapters of the Qur’an. Interestingly, whilst one verse makes a particular allusion to Moses (Surat an-naml), the other refers directly to the qualities of water:
Surah al-'Anbiya, verse 30:
‘Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?’
A large marble basin sharing stylistic qualities with the present example, notably in its carvings of entwining and curling split-palmettes and inclusion of an inscriptive band above, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, inv. no. 335-1903. Of a slightly later era (it is dated to 1277 AD), its inscription gives the name and titles of the local ruler al-Malik al-Mansur Muhammad, the Ayyubid prince who ruled Hama between 1244 and 1284 AD. Another comparable basin, of larger size but similar form, was sold at Bonham’s, 24 April 2012, lot 54.