MEDIEVAL ISLAMIC BRONZE VASE WITH CALLIGRAPHY

C. 1100 AD. Seljuk. A rare bronze vase with a flaring octagonal rim, constricted neck, piriform body and a high applied foot. The body is decorated with eight petal-like vertical panels, each featuring a rondel enclosing a cross. Several registers of engraved calligraphic decoration can be detected across the piece. The Seljuks were a Turkic dynasty who swept out of Central Asia in the early 10th century and conquered an enormous expanse across Eurasia. After inflicting crushing military defeats on a host of rivals, the most famous of which was perhaps that against the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the Seljuk sultans became major patrons of art and architecture. Excellent condition; beautiful patina. Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s, formerly acquired in the UK and European Art Market; Size: L:215mm / W:130mm ; 990g