Lot 253: A SAFAVID ENGRAVED BRASS DIVINATION MAGIC BOWL, PERSIA, 18TH CENTURY

he vessel is of shallow hemispherical form featuring a prominent central raised boss, or umbilicus. The interior is densely decorated throughout with engraved concentric bands of Arabic calligraphy in Naskh or Thuluth script. A primary register on the interior wall contains twelve lobed mandorlas, each filled with dense script and separated by scrolling foliate arabesque motifs. The central boss is decorated with radiating foliate patterns and features a small circular aperture at its apex. The exterior continues the decorative programme with a wide band of calligraphy around the base and a series of matching lobed medallions on the outer walls. The rim is finished with a continuous band of fine engraved script. 

Diameter: 12.5cm