Lot 220: A LARGE PATINATED BRONZE HISPANO MORESQUE ALHAMBRA STYLE TWO HANDLED VASE, PROBABLY SPAIN, LATE 19TH CENTURY

This monumental two handled vase is cast from a dark patinated copper alloy, bronze, and executed in the Hispano Moresque revival style inspired by fourteenth century Alhambra vases. The vessel features a tall multi tiered neck, a wide rounded shoulder, and a tapering body terminating in a splayed conical foot. Two prominent curved handles in pierced openwork connect the upper neck to the shoulder, depicting scrolling foliate motifs and stylized avian figures. The neck decoration is divided into horizontal registers including interlaced knotwork, a central band of Kufic or pseudo Kufic calligraphy set against geometric knots, and a wide band of concentric chevron patterns at the base. The main body is decorated in high relief with large lobed cartouches filled with dense arabesque and foliate designs. A continuous band of meander or Greek key style fretwork encircles the midsection, while the lower portion is divided into vertical panels with further geometric patterns. The splayed base is embellished with scrolling line work forming lobed decorative motifs.

H: 72cm