Rice Server Inscribed in Arabic with Good Wishes

Art Historical Context

This elegant 12th-century brass server, standing nearly 23 inches tall, exemplifies the exquisite metalwork of the Islamic world. Crafted using the cast-and-chased technique—where molten brass is poured into a mold and meticulously engraved with fine tools—the vessel features a slender, elongated form ideal for scooping and serving rice, a staple in medieval Middle Eastern cuisine. Its lightweight design (just 1.8 pounds) made it practical for daily use, blending functionality with artistry. The server's surface bears Arabic inscriptions conveying good wishes, a hallmark of Islamic decorative...