Two Veneto-Saracenic brass dishes, Egypt or Syria, 15th century

both of shallow rounded form with everted, flat rims, profusely decorated interior surfaces with engraved designs of split-palmettes, entwined arabesques and knotted ropework, the underside of larger example with engraved arabesque medallions, suspension loop on underside and old collector's number inked 'R547', the smaller example with plain exterior

Ex-collection Henri de Rothschild.
Ex-collection Nicolas Landau (1887-1979).

Galerie J. Kugel et A. Vervoordt, Hommage à Nicolas Landau "Prince des Antiquaires (1887-1979)", Paris, September - November 2006.

The larger example gilt, with some dents to surface, old crack along one edge with associated restoration (visible to reverse), stain and associated discoloration to reverse, some rubbing and discoloration, hairline scratches, the smaller example also with minor dents, the reverse with a mark as though originally a hook may have been attached as in other example for hanging, discoloration and scratches, 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."

So-called 'Veneto-Saracenic' wares have historically been attributed to Venice and the Middle East. Although scholarly debate continues, it seems to be generally agreed that these were produced in the Middle East, most probably in either present-day Egypt or Syria. In any case, these objects, which are often finely-worked manifesting plural influences, speak of the extensive trade network between Renaissance Europe and the Islamic world at this time. This cultural exchange and vogue continued into the twentieth century during which time Nicolas Landau, the prominent antique dealer based between New York and Paris, must have purchased the present examples and through whom it would have entered the collection of the prominent Rothschild family. A similar example is in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. no. OA 5962). 

For further information on the subject, notably in relation to one particular metalworker, see S. Auld, Renaissance Venice, Islam and Mahmud the Kurd: A metalworking enigma, London, 2004.