This gilded brass tray is a masterwork of Islamic metalcraft, where calligraphy, geometry, and vegetal ornament are woven into a single surface of devotion and artistry. Its gleaming golden finish transforms it into both a functional vessel and a radiant object of contemplation.
Calligraphic Inscriptions
At the center, a circular medallion carries a devotional inscription in flowing Fatimid-style script:
Arabic:
"بسم الله ما شاء الله"
Transliteration:
Bismillāh mā shāʾ Allāh.
Translation:
“In the name of God, as God wills.”
The inscription anchors the tray in spiritual invocation, proclaiming blessing and divine presence.
Artistic Details
- Central Medallion: Finely inscribed with elegant calligraphy, framed by a circular cartouche that radiates balance and rhythm.
- Arabesque Field: Surrounding the medallion, a dense lattice of interlaced tendrils and spirals fills the surface, symbolizing infinite growth and divine order. Each coil is unique, yet all belong to the same continuous pattern, reflecting unity in multiplicity.
- Outer Border: Encircled by scrolling vegetal motifs and fine-line engravings, the border serves as a rhythmic frame, tying the inner density to the outer gleam of gilded brass.
- Surface Finish: The brilliance of the gilding heightens contrast, with polished edges amplifying the richness of the engraved design.
- Stylistic Tradition: The work reflects the Fatimid tradition, where inscriptions and ornament merge seamlessly to transform utility into transcendence.
Interpretation
This tray is more than a vessel; it is a devotional statement in metal. The inscription invokes divine will, the arabesques embody eternity, and the gilded finish elevates the piece into ceremonial splendor. Likely commissioned for a noble household or ritual context, it stands as a luminous surface of blessing, artistry, and refinement.
