AN ENAMELLED AND TURQUOISE-SET BRASS WASH BASIN (DASHSHUI), PROBABLY KOKAND, UZBEKISTAN, 19TH CENTURY |

of squat globular form with a small spout engraved with '276', on a short narrow foot with a broad, petalled, flanged rim lined with turquoise stones, engraved with foliate cartouches on a hatched ground of scrolling tendrils with alternating red and black enamel, inside of rim with protruding almond-form bosses set with turquoise stones, hinged openwork filter with central knop

In general fair condition, some minor wear as consistent with age and use, including some turquoise stones missing and some replaced, enamel also worn with minor sections missing and some discoloration, small patches of oxidisation, interior with oxidisation, the central openwork filter with later added hinged plaque which is loose (it may have once been detachable), 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."

This basin would have originally been accompanied by a matching ewer, used to wash one's hands by pouring water over the basin. Whereas this shape and its use is known throughout the Indian subcontinent, with decorative details akin to Persian metalwork as well as Ottoman stylistic details, it can be attributed to Uzbekistan. A similarly shaped basin and its accompanying ewer are in the Museum of Applied Arts, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The museum website denotes it as a 'dashshui' or basin for washing, with the 'oftoba' to hold the water, and attributes it to the late nineteenth century.