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

A rare Khurasan brass-inlaid pewter flask, Central Asia, 12th/13th century

Auction Closed

March 30, 12:47 PM GMT

Estimate

100,000 - 150,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

on a splayed base and with a tapering neck terminating in a cup-shaped mouth with everted rim, the pear-shaped body inlaid with several rows of nielloed engraved brass plaques, decorated with seated musicians feasting, Kufic and thuluth inscriptions, hares and birds on a vegetal interlaced background, rows of harpies, the neck decorated with engraved and nielloed scales

34.5cm.

Please note that there may be restrictions on the import of property of Afghan origin into the United States of America. Any buyers planning to import property of Afghan origin into USA should satisfy themselves of the relevant import regime with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Sotheby’s will not assist buyers with the shipment of such items into the USA.

Christie’s London, 23 April 2002, lot 79.

This bottle reflects a major change in direction in the metalwork production of the end of the twelfth century. At a time when there was a shortage of silver, metalsmiths turned to a different material, brass, to decorate the surface of their wares.

inscriptions

On the panels around the top, in Kufic: ‘And blessing and blessing and …’

Around the neck in cursive hand: ‘Glory and prosperity and good turn of fortune’

Around the shoulder in cursive hand: ‘Glory and prosperity and wealth and happiness and well-being and glory and prosperity’

Around the belly, in Kufic: ‘Blessing and happiness and blessing and blessing and happiness and blessing and happiness and blessing'

Prior to the Mongol invasion, there seemed to occur a dramatic shortage of silver which provoked a major shift in the Islamic metalworking industry. After centuries of abundance, the great silversmiths from Khurasan found innovative ways to keep their wealthy customers – opting for the introduction of brass and inlays. Forged using the same techniques as silver, brass was seen as the most luxurious metal-based alloy at the time, for it visually resembles gold. As for the inlaying technique, it was already appreciated for the polychromatic effect of gilding and niello, thus occupying an important place in the trade of metals. Thanks to wealthy mineral deposits, Khurasan developed into one of the most flourishing centres for metalwork production in the Islamic World. The independence of its techniques set new traditions for an industry that swiftly spread to Anatolia, Syria and Egypt (Allan 1982, pp.17-23).

The shape of this bottle was common in Central Asia in the eleventh and twelfth centuries (see Allan 1986, pp.120-1). Five pieces from the same group as the present bottle vase are in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, including a twin to this bottle (inv. no.LNS 877 M). The other pieces constitute three low dishes with flattened rims and the side fragment of a vase. Each shares closely comparable decoration in the form of inlaid engraved brass plaques with calligraphy, vegetal motifs and birds and beasts. A further close comparable in shape was offered at Christie’s London, 15 October 2002, lot 201.