- 225
A silver-inlaid brass bowl, Syria, Damascus, mid-13th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- silver-inlaid brass
of rounded form with convex sides, incised and silver-inlaid with a calligraphic band near the rim against a scrolling vegetal ground, interspersed by six roundels containing musicians and courtly figures, a line of short lancet leaves below, interior with central roundel of entwined geometric design and old collector's number 'no.167'
Provenance
Ex-private collection, Paris, 1960s.
Condition
In good general condition, good portion of silver-inlay remaining in the inscription although about half is also missing, patches of oxidisation, the interior rubbed with loss to central design, small break to one side with associated consolidation and repair, 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
'Glory and long-life and victory over enemies and lasting life (?) and superiority and higher rank and lasting perfectly for ever [and] rising good-fortune and favour and penetrating command [and] superiority and contentment and affluence and gratitude and praise and favourable time and prayer and...'
The allusion of this inscription to glory, long-life and victory over one's enemy is fitting when viewed in conjunction with its courtly figurative imagery which includes four musicians and two further holding cups. Often appearing on artworks related to the court, musicians formed part of princely cycles alluding to the theme of lavish entertainment, suggesting that this bowl was intended to be used for food, alluding to a celebratory banquet.
'Glory and long-life and victory over enemies and lasting life (?) and superiority and higher rank and lasting perfectly for ever [and] rising good-fortune and favour and penetrating command [and] superiority and contentment and affluence and gratitude and praise and favourable time and prayer and...'
The allusion of this inscription to glory, long-life and victory over one's enemy is fitting when viewed in conjunction with its courtly figurative imagery which includes four musicians and two further holding cups. Often appearing on artworks related to the court, musicians formed part of princely cycles alluding to the theme of lavish entertainment, suggesting that this bowl was intended to be used for food, alluding to a celebratory banquet.