- 231
A rare Mamluk silver-inlaid brass tray stand, Egypt, 14th century
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- brass
of bi-conical form with flanged rim and base, bevelled ridge in between, each end with a calligraphic frieze between roundels containing floral motifs on lower section and stylised ducks on upper section, vestiges of original silver inlay, engraved heraldic medallion to underside of rim
Provenance
Ex-private collection, Czechoslovakia, first half 20th century.
Purchased in Brno, Czech Republic, 1990s, thence by descent.
Purchased in Brno, Czech Republic, 1990s, thence by descent.
Condition
In fairly good condition, most of the original silver inlay missing, vestiges remaining, some slightly tarnished, some rubbing and discoloration, interior with spots of oxidisation, for advice on further conservation and potential cleaning, please consult a professional restorer. 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
'The High authority, the Lordly, the Possessor, the…'
'The High authority, the Possessor, the learned, the …'
When the famous Andalusian historian Ibn Khaldun first arrived in Cairo, the capital city of the Mamluks, in 1382 AD, he reverently described the city as “the centre of the universe and the garden of the world”. Not only were the monumental mosques and palaces impressive architecturally, but they also housed vast collections of wealthy and generous patrons.
This brass tray stand with inlaid silver decoration likely belonged to one such Amir or other highly placed official at the Mamluk court, and is one of a few dozen that have survived to the present day. Its beautiful thuluth inscription heaps praise on its patron, and the stand would have held an equally richly-decorated tray on which fruits and other foods will have been displayed. Its form and design proved so popular that porcelain imitations were made in China, most probably for the Middle Eastern market (see British Museum, London, inv. no. 1966, 1215.1).
Further examples are in the British Museum, London (inv.no. 1897,0510.1), the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. nos. 935-1884.; 934-1884.; M.9-1954), the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 3/2008), the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha (inv. no. 478.2007), the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto (inv. no. AKM00726), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv.nos. 91.1.568.; 91.1.601.; 91.1.528.; 91.1.598).
'The High authority, the Lordly, the Possessor, the…'
'The High authority, the Possessor, the learned, the …'
When the famous Andalusian historian Ibn Khaldun first arrived in Cairo, the capital city of the Mamluks, in 1382 AD, he reverently described the city as “the centre of the universe and the garden of the world”. Not only were the monumental mosques and palaces impressive architecturally, but they also housed vast collections of wealthy and generous patrons.
This brass tray stand with inlaid silver decoration likely belonged to one such Amir or other highly placed official at the Mamluk court, and is one of a few dozen that have survived to the present day. Its beautiful thuluth inscription heaps praise on its patron, and the stand would have held an equally richly-decorated tray on which fruits and other foods will have been displayed. Its form and design proved so popular that porcelain imitations were made in China, most probably for the Middle Eastern market (see British Museum, London, inv. no. 1966, 1215.1).
Further examples are in the British Museum, London (inv.no. 1897,0510.1), the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. nos. 935-1884.; 934-1884.; M.9-1954), the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 3/2008), the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha (inv. no. 478.2007), the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto (inv. no. AKM00726), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv.nos. 91.1.568.; 91.1.601.; 91.1.528.; 91.1.598).