Code: 11366
Dimensions:
Introduction to Mamluk Revival Metalwork
The Mamluk Revival was a significant artistic movement in 19th-century Egypt that celebrated the intricate metalworking traditions of the medieval Islamic Golden Age. Artisans in Cairo specialised in creating "Cairo ware," characterised by complex geometric patterns and elaborate calligraphy inlaid with precious metals. These pieces were highly prized by European travellers and collectors as part of the broader Orientalist movement, representing the pinnacle of Egyptian decorative craftsmanship during the late Ottoman period.
Description of the Cairo Ware Bowl
This bowl is a refined example of the bi-metal inlay technique, featuring a hand-beaten brass body decorated with both silver and copper. The exterior is divided into six prominent cartouches containing calligraphic inscriptions in the Thuluth style, a script traditionally reserved for royal monuments and luxury objects. These panels alternate with shield-shaped motifs filled with interlaced arabesques, all set against a finely stippled or "ring-matted" background that provides a rich textural contrast.
The craftsmanship extends to the underside, which features a large incised endless knot, a symbol of longevity and interconnectedness. The interplay between the warm tones of the brass and copper against the bright silver creates a vibrant, multi-layered aesthetic. Every centimetre of the surface has been worked by hand, from the precise hammering of the inlay wire to the fluid, sweeping lines of the calligraphy.
Condition
The bowl has a beautiful natural patina with only minor surface wear and light thinning to the silver inlay in small areas.
Why You Should Buy
The way the different metals catch the light at different angles gives the bowl a shifting, jewel-like quality.
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