Description:

AN EXTREMELY RARE SILVER AND GOLD-INLAID BOWL, DECCAN, INDIA, 17TH CENTURY
Deccan, India, 17th century

Description:
A superb and exceptionally rare cast brass bowl inlaid with silver and gold, the surface densely inscribed with finely rendered Arabic calligraphy. The decoration comprises the Asma al-Husna (the 99 Beautiful Names of God), engraved and inlaid across both the inner and outer surfaces in elegant naskh script. The inscriptions are set within a repeating cartouche and lobed medallion design, bordered by bands of floral arabesque and scrolling vegetal motifs. The patina is rich and dark, with soft wear to the metal consistent with centuries of careful handling.

Dimensions: 37cm x 25cm

This vessel is an outstanding example of Deccani metalwork, where the fusion of Mughal, Persian, and indigenous South Indian techniques produced objects of exceptional spiritual and artistic refinement. The extensive religious inscriptions and precious metal inlay would suggest its use in a courtly or devotional context, possibly for ablutions or as a votive gift.

Comparable examples:

  • A Mughal silver-inlaid brass bowl with the 99 names of God, Northern India, 17th century, sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 1 May 2019, Lot 116, for £13,750.

  • A similar Deccani tinned brass basin inlaid with silver, 17th century, sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 23 October 2018, Lot 74, for £11,563.

  • A rare Islamic inlaid basin with calligraphy and geometric medallions, possibly Deccan, sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 27 October 2022, Lot 96, for £10,000.

Note:
Bowls of this kind are rare survivals and exemplify the zenith of Deccani craftsmanship in the early modern period. The use of the Asma al-Husna is significant, as these names were believed to invoke divine blessings and protection, making this bowl as much a sacred object as a functional vessel. The inlay work is exceptionally well preserved, a testament to the quality of both the materials and the craftsmanship.

Provenance: From an esteemed Swiss Collection 

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

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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