Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 92. A fine Khurasan silver-inlaid bronze inkwell and cover, signed by Abu’l-Sa’d(?) … Shaburi, inscribed with the name Abu’l-Ma’ali Mawdud ibn Ahmad al-‘Asami, Persia, circa 1200.

A fine Khurasan silver-inlaid bronze inkwell and cover, signed by Abu’l-Sa’d(?) … Shaburi, inscribed with the name Abu’l-Ma’ali Mawdud ibn Ahmad al-‘Asami, Persia, circa 1200

Auction Closed

March 30, 12:47 PM GMT

Estimate

80,000 - 120,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

of cylindrical form applied with three hinged handles, the ground with animals against floral scrolls within silver-inlaid interlacing geometrical frames, the cover with an inscription in naskh running around a central domed section surmounted by a bud finial, the underside with a central bird within a star, encircled by three cartouches

11.5cm. height; 9cm. diam.

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inscriptions

On the outer band of the lid: ‘… the most splendid, the learned, … light of religion, the helper of Islam, … the Sultan of the Sultans of kingdom, the honour of kingdom, the chosen of kings, the pride of the eminences, … of Khurasan Abu’l-Ma’ali Mawdud ibn Ahmad al-‘Asami …’ On the inner band of the lid: ‘The work of … Abu’l-Sa’d(?) … Shaburi’ Inside: ‘Good fortune and piety and / and blessing and / and blessing’

The large proportions, elaborate engraving and extensive inlay make this inkwell one of the finest examples of its kind. The main body is densely inlaid with silver forming intricate geometrical interlacing motifs, on a densely engraved ground decorated with scrolls, birds, and hares running around the lid. Remains of copper inlay are still visible on the lid and the outer borders on the main body and marks on its base shows that it might originally have been raised on three feet.

An ode by Anwari (d.1189) is dedicated to Amir al-‘Adil Mawdud ibn Ahmad al-‘Asami, who seems likely to have been the nobleman to whom this inkwell is inscribed to.

A comparable to this inkwell is another example sold in these rooms, 26 April 2005, lot 89, now in the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, inv. no.AKM605, which shows a similar quality of inlay but does not bear a signature or a dedication.