Lot 249: AN ENGRAVED QAJAR BRASS MAGIC MEDICINAL BOWL, PERSIA, 19TH CENTURY

An engraved brass magic-medicinal bowl, likely originating from Persia during the 19th century. The vessel is constructed of cast and turned brass, featuring a deep, rounded body with a slightly flared rim. The interior and exterior surfaces are densely decorated with hand-incised Arabic script and talismanic symbols, characteristic of Islamic healing vessels. The interior is organised with concentric bands and radial panels filled with fine script, likely containing Quranic verses and prayers. At the centre is a raised boss in the form of a secondary miniature bowl, with its rim pierced and fitted with a series of suspended metal charms or keys, each similarly inscribed. The exterior features a prominent upper band of large-scale stylised calligraphy and lower circular medallions containing further dense inscriptions. The underside of the base is decorated with three concentric bands of engraved Arabic text and talismanic symbols surrounding a central indentation.

Diameter: 21cm