Persian Khorasan Bronze Inkwell c12th Century Islamic

Over 800 years old

Background

Every Emperor, King, Prince and Governor (Caliph) had a Scribe or several Scribes in their Court. This was clearly made for someone very important and it is one of the largest of it’s type that we have handled.

This particular style, size and shape or inkwell was made in the early 1100s AD until late 1300s AD. This type of inkwell was portable and would have journeyed around the Islamic World at that time on important visits and trips. As you can imagine, travelling was a very difficult necessity in those days and the first thing that we will say about this inkwell is that it is in remarkable condition.

We have seen similar inkwells with holes (through wear and tear), dents, corrosion (chemical damage), extensive verdigris (green growth from corrosion) and even similar inkwells where the whole of the underside has been so badly damaged that it has to be replaced. This inkwell has no holes, repairs or replacements. You can see where the handles/clasps were at the side of the inkwell that would connect to the lid to seal it tightly when travelling.

This example belongs to the larger type and stands just under 12cm high with a 10cm diameter.

It weighs around 700g and is made of cast brass (or to give it the correct terminology quatenary alloy consisting of copper, zinc, lead and antimony) which has a spectacular patina to it that it almost looks like old copper.

Another point to note is that although some inkwells have no inscriptions on them at all, others may have only one and sometimes two bands of calligraphy around the top of the lid, down the side of the lid or in a band around the top of the inkwell. This inkwell has four bands of floral (foliate) Kufic inscriptions.

Almost all the inscriptions are the same on this type of inkwell of what is known as the benedictory phrases:

“Glory, prosperity, wealth & perpetual happiness…[to the owner]”

“Glory, prosperity, perpetual happiness and longevity to the owner”.

“Glory, prosperity, perpetual happiness and longevity to the owner”.

“Glory, peace and perpetual…quietitude…[to the owner]”

“Glory, prosperity, wealth, happiness, peace and…joy & blessings to the owner”.

Item Description

From the top: small knop to make it easy to lift the lid. Domed top which is rarer than the more common four-sided lids. Around the dome are three roundels contain floral designs. The base of the dome has a band containing a ‘zig zag’ design all the way around. Next (on the flat upper surface of the lid) comes one of the three bands of floral Kufic benedictory phrases. It is interrupted by three roundels containing floral motifs.

Around the edge of the lid is the second band of Kufic script which is interrupted by three loops for suspension. There is a very small section of verdigris which stable and not significant. Moving onto the opening of the inkwell, it is clean and in very good condition. The inside shows signs of minor wear and tear consistent with age and use. The third band of Kufic inscription adorns the upper edge of the main body of the inkwell. It is interrupted in three places by the top of a large geometric motif which contains a beautiful harpy (mythical creature with winged griffin body and woman’s head). Also, the main body of the inkwell has the usual attachments that would have held the buckles. There are also six roundels containing typically Khorassan bird motifs.

Unusually, the underside is also extensively decorated.

There is a roundel in the centre containing a harpy. Around the edges are three petal shaped ridges (slightly raised areas) designed to act as ‘feet’. In between the three feet are three running hunting hounds (‘saluki’).

Examples sold at auction

Six similar cast brass Khorasan inkwells sold at Christie’s in April1998 for pre auction estimates ranging between £4,000-£20,000 however none of them were as tall as our example.

Condition

There are some surface blemishes on this ancient artefact.

There are a few small areas that have an ancient light ink stain.

The three loops on the lid are still present (they are often lost in the mists of time).

On the main body of the inkwell, the three claps are missing completely as they protrude and are susceptible to damage.

There is a dent near one of the hounds / hunting dogs on the underside but this is really insignificant for such amazing 800 year old work of art.

The few minor areas of verdigris are stable.

Prices are negotiable within reason so please contact us if you wish to discuss an item that is of interest.

Shipping will be at cost and the buyer is responsible for any import/export fees or taxes.

We only ship using tracked services that require a signature on delivery.

Viewing is strictly by appointment and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required as no items are stored on site.

All of our Islamic Art is guaranteed to be genuine and as described.

We also further guarantee that our artefacts are legitimately sourced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE

All items are guaranteed genuine and as described.

A Certificate of Authenticity is provided on request.

Payments must be made in UK GBP£Sterling unless otherwise agreed.

We are not responsible for any import taxes, fees and charges collected in your country.

Please contact us before making any returns so we can issue a return order number.

Returns can only be made if a written statement from a national museum or international auction house provides evidence that an item is not as described.
Please note that any returns will be subject to a 10% return fee to cover any costs incurred.