This antique brass tray is centered on a majestic scene: Sultan Mohamed ibn Qalawun (محمد بن قلاوون) seated in majlis, cup in hand, enjoying a moment of regal leisure. Around him, the engravings weave a rich narrative, his sword at his side symbolizing power and protection, the bow a reminder of vigilance and readiness, and a peacock gracefully worked into the design as an emblem of beauty, pride, and divine glory.

The central figure is framed within three concentric circles of Mamluk calligraphy, praising the Sultan with elaborate titles. The inscriptions honor him as:
"الملك الناصر العالم العادل القائد المؤيد المنتصر المنصور"
(al-Malik al-Nāṣir al-ʿĀlim al-ʿĀdil al-Qāʾid al-Muʾayyad al-Muntaṣir al-Manṣūr)
,“The Victorious King, the Learned, the Just, the Commander, the Supported, the Triumphant, the Victorious.”

The Inner Circle Inscription

The large central circle carries an extended formula of praise:
"عز لمولانا السلطان الملك الناصر العالم العادل المؤيد المرابط القائد المجاهد المحارب القائد المعور المؤيد المرابط الوالي المجاهد محمد بن قلاوون"

Transliteration:
ʿIzz li-mawlānā al-Sulṭān al-Malik al-Nāṣir al-ʿĀlim al-ʿĀdil al-Muʾayyad al-Murābiṭ al-Qāʾid al-Mujāhid al-Muḥārib al-Qāʾid al-Maʿwār al-Muʾayyad al-Murābiṭ al-Wālī al-Mujāhid Muḥammad ibn Qalāwūn.

Translation:
“Glory to our lord, the Sultan, the Victorious King, the Learned, the Just, the Supported, the Defender of the Faith, the Commander, the Warrior, the Fighter, the Commander of Might, the Supported, the Protector, the Guardian, the Warrior, Mohamed ibn Qalawun.”

Artistic Elements

• Geometric Patterns & Rectangular Circles (دوائر فستونية – dawāʾir fustūniyya): Surrounding the inscriptions, the engravings interlace geometric motifs with rectangular-shaped circles.
• Islamic Leafwork (أوراق إسلامية – awrāq islāmiyya): The spaces between the calligraphy are filled with arabesque leaves and vine designs, flowing seamlessly into every corner.
• Ornate Borders & Script: The framing radiates outward like sunbeams, uniting geometry, calligraphy, and vegetal motifs into a statement of both sovereignty and artistry.

Interpretation

The tray embodies the balance of power and elegance, command and refinement. It is not merely a serving vessel, but a portrait of sovereignty: a ruler celebrated in words and symbols, surrounded by the eternal harmony of geometry, calligraphy, and nature. Displayed in any setting, it evokes the grandeur of Mamluk courtly life, where strength, faith, and beauty were inseparable.