Description:

 AN EXTREMELY RARE & IMPORTANT ENGRAVED BRASS MUGHAL EWER & BASIN, DATED 1084 AH / 1673–74 AD
Deccan, India, late 17th century

Description:
Comprising an engraved brass ewer (aftaba) with domed lid, hexagonal spout and handle terminating in stylised makara form, together with a matching basin. The globular body of the ewer and the deep, flared basin are intricately engraved with dense arabesques and floral scrolls in classic Deccani style. A band of cursive naskh calligraphy encircles the base of the basin, bearing a dated dedication: "Work of Muhammad 'Ali Zirani, 1084 AH".

This piece exemplifies the refined Deccani aesthetic under the Mughal influence, characterised by delicate vegetal decoration, harmonious form, and precise calligraphic execution. The brass has developed a rich patina with areas of verdigris, enhancing its historic presence.

Dimensions:
Height of ewer: 27.5 cm
Diameter of basin: 26 cm

Provenance:
Property of a British Gentleman

Comparable Examples:

  1. A Deccani brass ewer and basin, India, 17th century, sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 26 October 2017, Lot 187, for £56,250.
    (Of similar form with fine floral decoration but lacking dated inscription.)

  2. Mughal inscribed brass ewer, India, 17th century, auctioned at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 24 October 2023, Lot 115, realised £48,000.
    (Features comparable form and inscriptive band; slightly smaller in scale.)

  3. Engraved brass basin with calligraphy, Mughal India, c. 1670, sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 1 May 2019, Lot 91, for £32,500.
    (Matching basin form with intricate vegetal designs.)

Note:
The inclusion of a dated inscription and named patron significantly elevates the rarity and scholarly interest in this set. Pieces signed by artisans or owners from the Deccan region in the 17th century are exceedingly rare. The ewer and basin were likely used in courtly or ritual ablutions, reflecting both practical use and status. The stylistic affinity aligns with the late Qutb Shahi or early Aurangzeb-era brasswork traditions in Golconda or Bijap.

 

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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