Bidspirit auction | A LARGE SAFAVID TINNED COPPER

A LARGE SAFAVID TINNED COPPER SUFI KASHKUL, 17TH CENTURY. - A Persian tinned copper kashkul, or dervish's begging bowl, of traditional boat-shaped form. The exterior is decorated with a combination of chasing, engraving, and metal inlay. A broad central frieze features continuous Nasta'liq calligraphic script in silver-coloured inlay. The upper border is composed of a floral arabesque scroll, and the lower section is decorated with a lattice of lobed mandorlas containing floral motifs and zoomorphic figures including a hare and birds, surrounded by six-petalled rosettes. The two terminals are cast as dragon heads with open mouths; the terminals feature turquoise stone cabochon inlays to the eyes and crests. The vessel rests on a recessed pointed oval foot, which contains a circular calligraphic seal mark to the centre. H: Approximately 21.5cm D: Approximately 42.5cm