A LARGE TINNED COPPER BOWL
Possibly Egypt or Syria, 15th - 16th century

Of deep rounded shape, resting on a flat plain base, with reinforced rim, the exterior engraved with a variety of Mamluk motifs, such as interlocking lobed cartouches filled with thuluth calligraphy, knotwork designs, floral motifs and, the scribe's insignia (a penbox), all against a cross-hatched ground, further vegetal meanders and knotwork bands below the rim and above the base, the interior plain, 36cm diam. and 22.5cm high.