- 10
A small bronze unguent receptacle or inkwell, Near East or North Africa, 10th-12th century
Estimate
800 - 1,200 GBP
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Description
- 3/4 x 1 inches
of square section on four low feet, a raised rectangular boss on one side, the bowl of cylindrical form, each face with a rectangular panel of elaborate Kufic, with interstitial details of split-palmettes and stylised foliate scrolls, a small rectangular boss or projection incised with further phrase in Kufic, traces of black substance
Provenance
Adrienne Minassian, New York, 1956
Literature
Baer 1983, p.80, no.60.
Condition
surface patination, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Inscriptions
baraka min Allah wa yumn wa surur li-sahibihi
'Blessing from God and Good-fortune and Joy to its owner'
The single phrase on the boss is undeciphered.
This is one of the smallest recorded pieces of early Islamic metalwork. Its intended purpose remains unclear. A small stone object of identical form in the Museum of the Alhambra, Granada, is proposed as an incense burner (Paris 2001, p.131, no.131).