Lot 47: A SILVER-INLAID SELJUK COPPER ALLOY INKWELL, KHURASAN, 13TH CENTURY

This cylindrical lidded vessel is a silver-inlaid Seljuk inkwell, attributed to the Khurasan region, likely Herat, dating to the 13th century. The object is constructed from a copper alloy and features extensive silver-inlaid ornamentation. The main body is decorated with a continuous, interlocking geometric trellis that forms hexagonal and star-shaped cartouches. These cartouches contain various figurative scenes, including seated personages and musicians engaged in courtly activities, set against a background of delicate scrolling foliate motifs. The hinged lid is topped with a domed, lobed finial decorated with geometric knotwork. The flat surface of the lid features concentric bands of decoration, including scrolling vines and figures. The interior rim of the box is adorned with a band of small, repetitive bird figures and a twisted-rope border. The vessel is supported by three small, teardrop-shaped feet. The base features a wide band of silver-inlaid Arabic script. The inscription is benedictory in nature, with the segment wa-al-saada (and happiness) clearly legible. The center of the base contains a circular medallion with a dense pattern of interlaced geometric knotwork.

Diameter: 13cm