Basin

Unknown

early 14th century · Brass; inlaid with silver · Islamic Art

This large low basin is a familiar object produced by Mamluk metalworkers. Its decoration consists of inscriptional bands alternating with circular medallions. The Rasulid five-petaled rosette appears in the center of each of the six medallions. Three of the medallions contain an eulogy dedicated to the Rasulid sultan. The bold inscriptions in the elongated cartouches, which mention the name of the sultan, were copied in a less elegant thuluth than the inscriptions on the other objects dedicated to him (91.1.602, .605). The large medallion on the inside of the bowl is very finely carved and once was lavishly inlaid with silver. It is divided into sections by means of interlacing circles. All the sections are filled with peonies and alternating five-petaled and swirling rosettes against a botanical background. The center contains the same radial inscription that is in the smaller medallions on the exterior. Judging by its decoration, this bowl was probably produced toward the end of al-Mu'ayyad Dawud's reign.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 14th century

Medium

Brass; inlaid with silver

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891