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193 - Basin, Egypt or Syria, late 15th - early 16th century A larg…
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Estimate €1,500 - €3,000
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Description
Basin, Egypt or Syria, late 15th - early 16th century A large truncated cone-shaped basin with a concave base, made of hammered copper and finely chased over the entire outer wall with decoration in several registers. A wide central band alternates between medallions and multi-lobed cartouches: the six medallions feature a decoration of interlocking Ys surrounded by a round of spiral foliage; the six large cartouches are decorated alternately with a latticework of palmettes and a calligraphic decoration in Arabic thuluth in reserve on a squared background. Between these cartouches and medallions are spandrels decorated with interlocking Ys. On either side of the central entablature are two woven friezes punctuated by rosettes. The one at the bottom is underlined by a frieze of tracery finished with fleurons, while under the lip runs a frieze of fleurons arranged in staggered rows and linked by a wavy, leafy stem. Diameter of opening: 48 cm; diameter of base: approx. 60 cm; height: 27.5 cm Wear, traces of oxidation, a few knocks and cracks, faded tin plating in places, damp in the base, old restoration. Provenance : Former collection of Michael Pacha Portakalian (1842-1897), high official at the court of Sultan Abdulhamid II, then by descent. This type of basin with engraved decoration is part of a well-documented production in the Syrian and Egyptian regions of the Mamluk world between the 15th century and the Ottoman conquest. Our piece, from an anonymous patron, shares the same characteristics as well-known objects in international collections such as basin MAO 851 from the Musée du Louvre in Paris and basin 1957-0802.2 from the British Museum in London. What these three pieces have in common is a sloping wall resting on a concave base, a fairly large size, and a decorative scheme that alternates medallions and cartouches and combines calligraphic elements, palmettes, fleurons and woven friezes. As with many objects of the period, this basin was tinned when it was made. This may suggest that these large-diameter objects were used for cooking food.
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About the sale Archaeology & Arts of Islam and India
Auction location
Auction time 06/26/2026 at 1:30 PM
Lot description modified on 06/09/2026 at 2:59 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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