Near East / Central Asia, Persia (Iran), likely Khorasan region, Abbasid / Seljuk (Saljuq) Empire, ca. 11th to 13th CE. A repousse bronze rectangular tray repousse decorated with an inscription around the rim, geometric motifs on the interior, and lions and rosette within the recessed basin. This fine tray was probably made for serving food and the inscriptions were likely blessings or wishes for good fortune. The felines would have been widely recognized as symbols of courage, strength, royalty, as well as ancient connections to sun gods and the zodiac Leo. During this time period, there was a market for luxury items in the marketplaces of the Levant ? bronze and other metal vessels were made to appeal to both Muslim and non-Muslim buyers. Size: 11.25" L x 7" W x 1" H (28.6 cm x 17.8 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private Laguna Woods, California, USA collection, brought from Germany into the US in 1994, originally acquired in Afghanistan in 1988

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#183798

Heavy mineral and earthen encrustations on the verso. Tear to edge, otherwise intact. Softening to finer details. Dark patina and toning.