A SILVER AND GOLD-INLAID BRASS FARS BOWL WITH FISHES
Iran, 14th century

Of compressed rounded shape, resting on a convex plain base, with a short, reinforced, circular rim, the exterior with a wide silver-inlaid calligraphic band engraved around the shoulders interspersed with roundels decorated with silver and gold-inlaid floral medallions filled with split palmette trellis and typical star-shaped geometric motifs, the rim pierced at a later stage to fit three copper alloy handles with dragon terminals probably dating to the Safavid period (16th - 17th century), the interior engraved with a central gilt medallion with six fishes surrounding a sunburst roundel, 17cm diam and 11.8cm high.