An exceptional gold and silver-inlaid brass candlestick, probably Mosul, circa 1275

with truncated nine-sided faceted base, slightly depressed drip-pan with petalled edges, cylindrical neck with bulging socket, brass inlaid in silver and gold with incised details, the central band with a frieze of standing courtly figures between two friezes of anthropomorphic script and running quadrupeds, drip pan with figures and foliate designs within arches, smaller figures on the neck and seated musicians on the socket, underside with rosette

26cm. height; 30cm. diam.

Condition Report:
The silver remarkably well preserved, as well as gold highlights to robes on figures of central frieze, body with areas of oxidisation and abrasion resulting in some minor losses to silver and gold inlay, notably to the drip-pan with particular abrasion and losses, slight rust to edge of socket, one small crack to one facet near the base, the interior with oxidisation and abrasion including losses to the metal and some encrustation, as viewed.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."