Publication Date
Eighth/fourteenth century
Publication Place
-
National Museum of Oriental Art
Subject
Yellow brass decorated with gold and silver Persian thread.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
القطر20سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
14898
Record ID
object;ISL;it;Mus01;1;ar
Library Location
Museum of Civilizations | Museum of Oriental Art Giuseppe Tucci
Date
Eighth/fourteenth century
Notes
A bowl with a wide surface, a semi-spherical bottom. The decoration covers its entire outer surface, like most similar pieces in terms of style and quality. The decoration is a wide, alternating band with inlay in the form of an open paper roll (tomar) and written on it in a Mamluk script called Thuluth. As for the lower outer section, it is distinguished by drawings of imaginary figures flying with drawings of plants, common among metal craftsmen in the Mamluk era who were influenced by the natural doctrine of the Far East, with its Iranian atmosphere. Through the writings, we learn about the ranks and titles used in that period in Mamluk ceremonies: “The Sublime Porte,” “the Mawlawi,” “the Royal,” “the Just,” “the Prince,” and “the Mamluk.” On the inner surface of the bottom we find important drawings, representing fish placed in a circular shape, a decorative method that was widespread among metalsmiths in the Islamic era, especially in the Mamluk period, including: fish that live in water, and the use of yogurt to fill water. It is possible that they were It also carried meanings related to supernatural powers, as fish in the East represent blessing and grace that indicate the owner of the piece. It appears that the bowl was used by a man of high-ranking gamblers.
Sample Text
Paola Torre “Bowl” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;it;Mus01;1;ar
