Description:

A LARGE GOLD & SILVER INLAID BRASS MAMLUK REVIVAL BOX (SUNDUQ)
Egypt or Syria, Late 19th Century

Description:
This spectacular Mamluk revival sunduq (box) stands as a grand testament to the 19th-century revival of Islamic craftsmanship, echoing the opulence and precision of its 14th–15th century prototypes. Composed of gilded brass richly inlaid with gold and silver, the box features exquisite thuluth and Kufic inscriptions interwoven with complex arabesque scrollwork, geometric medallions, and vegetal flourishes. The detailed surface ornamentation evokes the grand ceremonial objects of the Mamluk sultans.

The hinged lid opens to reveal eight small compartments and further unveils a front flap that folds down to display seven small drawers and a central closet niche, all enclosed within a richly patterned architectural façade. The organization of compartments suggests use as a personal writing chest, for jewelry, or a collector's cabinet.

Decoration Details:

  • Calligraphy: Prominent bands of thuluth and Kufic script intricately worked in silver and gold inlay.

  • Design: Swirling vegetal ground, medallions, floral borders, and small brass studs punctuating the panels.

  • Construction: Rectangular form raised on four small feet; high-relief engraved panels and hinged lid construction; interior compartments in wood, possibly walnut.

Dimensions:

  • Width: 53.5 cm

  • Depth: 38.5 cm

  • Height: 50 cm

Comparable Examples:

  • Christie’s, London, 5 October 2010, Lot 131: A Mamluk revival brass and silver-inlaid cabinet, Egypt, 19th century – Sold for £31,250.

  • Sotheby’s, London, 1 May 2019, Lot 194: A Mamluk revival brass box with Kufic inscriptions, Syria, 19th century – Sold for £23,750.

  • Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 25 October 2022, Lot 98: A large Mamluk-style inlaid writing box, Egypt or Syria, circa 1880 – Sold for £28,000.

  • Victoria and Albert Museum, London: Collection of 19th-century Mamluk revival furnishings with similar stylistic traits (not sold but closely related in form and style).

Provenance:

  • Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World and India, including Fine Rugs and Carpets, 26 April 2023, Lot 93

  • Private European Collection

Remarks:
Boxes of this grandeur were often produced in Cairo or Damascus workshops for both domestic elite and export clientele. This particular example stands out for its sheer scale and refinement of technique. An exceptional work of Islamic decorative art, bridging the Mamluk aesthetic with Ottoman-era craftsmanship.

 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000