Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets

A large Ghaznavid brass bowl depicting a Camel, Eastern Persia, 11th century

VAT applies to hammer price and buyer's premium

Auction Closed

October 26, 12:30 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the spun-brass of hemispherical form, stippled and engraved with a large band of Kufic around the rim, the well depicts a monumental caprisioned camel carrying two courtly figures surrounded by horned quadrupeds and birds, the exterior with a large Kufic inscription above a register of palmettes enclosed by criss-cross bands that form a six-pointed star at the base

36.8cm. diam.

This lot should have a dagger symbol in the printed catalogue. VAT will be charged at 20% on the hammer price, although in appropriate circumstances the VAT may be cancelled or refunded. Please refer to the printed catalogue for further VAT information.

inscriptions

bi’l-yumn wa al-baraka wa …. wa al-salamah wa al-surur wa al-sa’adiyya (?) [al-sa’adah] wa al-nasr lahu wa al-…

‘With good-fortune and blessing and … and well-being and joy and happiness and victory to him and …’

This bowl is one of the largest and best preserved examples of the Ghaznavid period (962-1186 AD) and as with most Ghaznavid metalwork is clearly derived from a Sassanian prototype. A bowl of similar size, shape and exterior decoration sold in these rooms, 8 December 1970, lot 85, while a large flat tray with a horse and rider was sold at Christie's London, 13 October 1998, lot 237.