A BLACK-ENAMELLED TINNED COPPER BASIN
Possibly Deccan, Central India, late 18th - early 19th century

Of compressed circular shape, resting on a flattened circular base, with gently flaring neck ending in a reinforced circular rim, engraved with scrolling linear foliage, the engraved exterior divided into two main bands, below the rim a circle of clear thuluth script calligraphic cartouches with titles and the holy names of the Prophet and the Shi’a Imams, below it a repeating band of stylised lotus flowers and lobed fringes within rounded arches, around and on the rim scrolling vegetal festoons, all engravings filled with black enamel compound, 26.7cm diam. and 8.5cm high.