SELJUK BRONZE STAND WITH CALIGRAPHY

C. 1100 AD. Seljuk. An elegant bronze tripod stand with elegant human-shaped feet supporting a stand with six interconnecting bowls arranged around a raised projection, perhaps intended to support a candle. The surface of the piece was covered in extensive calligraphic decoration. This exceptional piece was probably used for dining or for the burning of incense.The Seljuks were a Turkic dynasty who swept out of Central Asia in the early 10th century and conquered an enormous expanse, covering most or all of present-day Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and beyond. 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 of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market. Size: L:140mm / W:125mm ; 805g