Lot 162: A LARGE ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHIC CERAMIC MOSQUE LAMP VASE, SYRIA OR EGYPT, 19TH CENTURY

A large glazed ceramic vase executed in the form of a Mamluk mosque lamp, featuring underglaze hand-painted decoration in cobalt blue, turquoise, and bole red on a white ground. The vessel is constructed with a wide, flared neck joined to a bulbous body by two small loop handles, all supported by a flared pedestal foot. The decorative scheme is dominated by Arabic Naskh calligraphy. A continuous horizontal band around the neck contains religious phrases including Al-Hamdu lillah (Praise be to God) and Min Allah jamia (From God altogether). The body features two large, lobed cartouches containing Quranic verses. One side displays Surah Ash-Shu’ara, verse 80: Wa-idha maridtu fahuwa yashfeen (And when I am ill, it is He who cures me). The opposing side displays Surah Al-Fath, verse 1: Inna fatahna laka fathan mubina (Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph). The calligraphic elements are framed by scrolling foliate borders, floral sprigs, and geometric bands. The foot is decorated with vertical cobalt blue stripes above a band of repeating stylized palmettes. 

H: 46cm