Bowl

Art Historical Context

This elegant brass bowl, crafted by an unknown artist in the half of the 14 century, exemplifies the pinnacle Islamic metalworking artistry. Measuring just 4½ inches tall with a greatest diameter of 9 inches its shallow form and wide rim suggest it was designed for both practical use—perhaps serving fruits or sweets—and as a luxurious display piece for elite households. The surface is masterfully engraved and inlaid with silver, a known as damascening, where fine silver wires are hammered into incised lines to create shimmering contrasts against the warm brass. Delicate human figures, as indic...