Lot 202: A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE SILVER-INLAID BRASS MAMLUK REVIVAL CALLIGRAPHIC TRAY, 19TH - 20TH CENTURY

A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE SILVER-INLAID BRASS MAMLUK REVIVAL CALLIGRAPHIC TRAY, 19TH – 20TH CENTURY

A circular tray of copper-alloy construction, heavily decorated with silver inlay in the Mamluk Revival style, characteristic of late 19th or early 20th-century Cairo or syria metalwork. The decorative scheme is centred on a circular medallion containing a Thuluth calligraphic arrangement. Six large, elongated radial cartouches contain bold inscriptions in Thuluth script, representing traditional honourific titles or blessings. These panels are separated by vertical bands of scrolling foliate arabesques. The primary field is filled with dense, intricately scrolling vines and leaves. The recessed ground is meticulously chased with a fine vermicelli pattern of tiny scrolls and has been darkened to enhance the visual contrast of the silver inlay. The tray has a slightly raised rim with a hand-hammered beaded edge.

Diameter: 77cm