Sometimes referred to as ‘Cairo-ware’, these bowls have bodies of brass applied with silver and copper and ornamented with Arabic calligraphy amidst arabesques and birds.
Throughout Islamic history, metal bowls and dishes have been treasured by the middle class. These objects were made to be durable and functional and were mostly used for food preparation and service
The bowls in our collection were made with a technique that is very popular in the Islamic world: inlaying precious or soft metals into harder metals.
Many fine examples of inlay art were created in Iran, Egypt and Syria during the 13th and 14th centuries, reaching a ‘Golden Age’ during the Mamluk period (1250 – 1517) where, in the workshop of Motzol, the finest examples where made. The vessels were manufactured in Cairo and Damascus, and became well known throughout the Islamic world.
These bowls exemplify the Mamluk revival period. When brass, an ordinary metal, is inlaid with silver in this manner, it creates an impressive and high-status item. These bowls are functional and durable, whilst also being extremely decorative.
Height : 14cm ( 5.5" )
Inner diameter at the base : 20 cm ( 7.8" )
Inner diameter at the top : 14cm ( 5.5" )
Throughout Islamic history, metal bowls and dishes have been treasured by the middle class. These objects were made to be durable and functional and were mostly used for food preparation and service
The bowls in our collection were made with a technique that is very popular in the Islamic world: inlaying precious or soft metals into harder metals.
Many fine examples of inlay art were created in Iran, Egypt and Syria during the 13th and 14th centuries, reaching a ‘Golden Age’ during the Mamluk period (1250 – 1517) where, in the workshop of Motzol, the finest examples where made. The vessels were manufactured in Cairo and Damascus, and became well known throughout the Islamic world.
These bowls exemplify the Mamluk revival period. When brass, an ordinary metal, is inlaid with silver in this manner, it creates an impressive and high-status item. These bowls are functional and durable, whilst also being extremely decorative.
Height : 14cm ( 5.5" )
Inner diameter at the base : 20 cm ( 7.8" )
Inner diameter at the top : 14cm ( 5.5" )
