Arts of the Islamic World
Arts of the Islamic World
A MAMLUK 'VENETO-SARACENIC' SILVER AND GOLD-INLAID BRASS BOWL, SYRIA OR EGYPT, 15TH CENTURY
Auction Closed
October 23, 04:16 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A MAMLUK 'VENETO-SARACENIC' SILVER AND GOLD-INLAID BRASS BOWL, SYRIA OR EGYPT, 15TH CENTURY
engraved and inlaid with silver and vestiges of gold, the underside with entwined roundels and foliate palmettes containing interlacing designs, the sides with geometric ornament interrupted by four small roundels containing alternating heraldic blazons and foliate motifs, the interior plain
7cm. height
14cm. diam.
Scholarly debate over the group of metalwork known as 'Veneto-Saracenic' ware has seen them attributed to both Venice and the Middle East. Perhaps, the European coats-of-arms (as seen on this example), may have further confused matters, although it is now agreed that these are Mamluk products produced for export. Although the original function of this bowl is uncertain, it may have been used as a container for spices, sweetmeats or medicinal substances. These objects, often finely worked and manifesting plural influences, reflect the extensive trade network between Renaissance Europe and the Islamic world at this time. For a full discussion of this type of bowl, see Auld 2004, pp.141-197.