This finely crafted dish, worked in red copper with silver inlay, is a remarkable example of late Mamluk–early Ottoman artistry. Its surface unites martial imagery, vegetal ornament, and sacred calligraphy into a ceremonial object of rare refinement. More than a vessel, it is a proclamation of power, piety, and status.

Calligraphic Inscriptions
Encircling the central medallion and extending across the wide rim are continuous bands of Thuluth calligraphy, proclaiming praise and blessing for the Sultan:

Arabic:
"العز لمولانا السلطان الملك الناصر القائد المنصور"

Transliteration:
al-ʿizz li-mawlānā al-sulṭān al-malik al-nāṣir al-qāʾid al-manṣūr.

Translation:
“Glory to our lord, the Sultan al-Malik al-Nāṣir, the commander, the victorious.”

The flowing script alternates with interlaced vegetal designs, merging text and ornament into one continuous rhythm.

Artistic Details

• Central Medallion: A mounted warrior prince, clad in flowing armor and armed in readiness, occupies the heart of the dish. His poised bearing symbolizes courage, leadership, and divine protection.
• Arabesque Surround: Around the rider, vegetal scrolls and arabesques radiate outward, suggesting paradise gardens and eternal life.
• Halo of Calligraphy: The medallion is framed by a ring of script, turning the rider into a figure of both martial and spiritual guardianship.
• Wide Rim: The rim carries an unbroken band of Thuluth inscriptions, interwoven with foliage motifs, reinforcing the eternal cycle of blessing and victory.
• Inlay Contrast: The red copper ground glows warmly beneath the brilliance of silver inlay, evoking a cosmic harmony of fire and moonlight.
• Unique Design: Unlike standard ceremonial chargers, this piece is distinguished by its dish-like profile and the striking contrast of its materials, marking it as a rare and unique work.

Interpretation
This dish was never meant for daily use. It stands as a ceremonial object of prestige and devotion, uniting royal praise, martial imagery, and cosmic ornament. By placing the mounted warrior at its center, encircled by blessings, the dish proclaims the Sultan as both victorious commander and divinely sanctioned ruler. Its unique design and material contrast render it a treasure of Mamluk ceremonial art.