Lot 230: A CARVED HARDWOOD NORTH AFRICAN VESSEL WITH KUFIC CALLIGRAPHY

The object is fashioned from a single block of dense, dark hardwood with a deeply patinated surface. The form features a wide, spreading circular base tapering to a waisted middle and a bulbous body, topped with a domed upper section containing a central circular aperture. The exterior is decorated with multiple registers of relief-carved ornament. A prominent central frieze contains a band of kufic Quranic verse in a raised script. The rest of the surface is covered in intricate patterns of interlaced arabesques, floral designs, and geometric cross-hatching. An iron ring is attached to a carved loop on the side of the body.

Calligraphy : إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِيِّۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ صَلُّواْ عَلَيۡهِ وَسَلِّمُواْ تَسۡلِيمًا

Translation: Innallāha wa malā’ikatahū yuṣallūna ‘alan-nabiyy, yā ayyuhallażīna āmanū ṣallū ‘alaihi wa sallimū taslīmā. (Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.")

Provenance: Private UK Collection

23 cm height