ANTIQUITIES AND ISLAMIC ART SALE

A LARGE INDO PERSIAN BONE INLAID WOODEN KASHKUL, 19TH CENTURY

The auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: £550

Estimated price: £600 - £800

Buyer's premium:

Description

A finely crafted and exceptionally decorative kashkul (begging bowl) from 19th-century Indo-Persian tradition, fashioned from wood and richly inlaid with bone and dark stained accents. This large crescent-shaped vessel, traditionally associated with Sufi dervishes, reflects a unique cultural fusion of Persian aesthetic and Indian craftsmanship.

The exterior is profusely inlaid with floral and avian motifs, arranged in symmetrical bands. Stylized birds perch delicately on flowering branches that span the length of the vessel. Additional decorative elements include concentric borders of rosettes, dots, and geometric star motifs, showcasing the artisan’s meticulous attention to symmetry and pattern.

A standout feature is the original beaded suspension chain, composed of alternating light and dark wooden beads, still affixed to the side loops — a rare survival that enhances the authenticity and visual appeal of the piece. The rim and foot of the kashkul are further inlaid with repeating designs, all executed in a refined, high-contrast style.

L: 27cm, H: 14cm