A FINELY ENGRAVED AND SILVER-INLAID FARS BRASS BOWL
Ilkhanid Iran, 14th century

Of typical compressed rounded shape, resting on a gently upward-curved base, with inverted sloping sides, narrow shoulders and reinforced circular rim, the entire outer surface including the base showcasing high-quality, precise engravings and vibrant inlays in silver, the decoration on the body articulated in horizontal registers, the largest band featuring lobed epigraphic cartouches with thuluth script interlocking oval medallions and roundels in-filled with stylised arabesque motifs, strapwork and pseudo-calligraphy with infinite knot designs, all set against a ground of spiralling foliated vines, the base with an outer band of hanging cusped palmettes containing floral sprays; and concentric rows of cusped medallions with arabesque designs, and knotwork, terminating with an octagonal sunburst in the centre, around the rim a frieze of stylised interlocking vegetal meanders, 17.5cm diam.

Provenance: Sotheby's Paris, 18 November 2013, lot 136.