This vessel is a captivating relic of Islamic metalwork, crafted in copper alloy with traces of silver and brass overlay. Its surface carries a dual character: luminous yet aged, elegant yet marked by centuries of use. Reddish copper tones emerge where time has worn away the silver, revealing the raw heart of the metal, while oxidized silver patches darken into rich patina. The result is a living surface, one that speaks of permanence and impermanence in equal measure.
Calligraphic Inscriptions
Encircling the body are sweeping bands of Fatimid-style script, bold in proportion yet intricate in detail:
Arabic:
"العز لمولانا السلطان"
Transliteration:
al-ʿizz li-mawlānā al-sulṭān.
Translation:
“Glory to our lord, the Sultan.”
Each letter is framed with delicate vegetal tracery, transforming the word into a living ornament, proclaiming both artistry and devotion.
Artistic Details
- Body: The rounded body is inscribed with deeply cut calligraphy, each filled with patterned detailing, elevated by surrounding floral arabesques.
- Shoulders & Spout: The upper register is adorned with arabesque scrolls and geometric flourishes, balancing the grandeur of text with lyrical softness.
- Lid & Finial: The domed lid is capped by a pointed finial, once entirely gilt, now bearing patches of burnished gold that shimmer against the darker copper ground.
- Handle & Spout: Both are engraved with linear and vegetal motifs, their curves softened by age but still vigorous in form.
- Surface Condition: Areas of oxidation, verdigris, and scattered losses of silver plating enrich its patina, transforming wear into a testament of survival.
Interpretation
This vessel embodies more than utility; it represents a philosophy of beauty and endurance. The interplay of copper, silver, and brass reflects cycles of permanence and impermanence, while the inscriptions root it in devotion and sovereignty. Every abrasion and softened edge speaks of continuity, of centuries of use in courts, households, or sacred spaces. It is at once a container, a bearer of artistic mastery, and a relic of cultural memory, still resonant in its worn splendor.
