Basin - Brass - Tâs - 18th c. - Kadjar






Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
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Description from the seller
Basin (Tās) for Vows and Titles
Kadjar Era - 18th Century
Dimensions: Height: 9 cm x Maximum Diameter: 16 cm
Copper alloy (brass) cast, hammered and entirely chiseled at high heat
The Kadjar period (1789–1925) is an era of profound transition and cultural fascination for Iran. Artistically, this era is distinguished by a unique balance between preserving ancestral Persian traditions and introducing Western influences. Facing increasing openness to Europe, Kadjar rulers and elites felt the need to reaffirm the Persian national identity. Artisans deliberately sought to imitate the masterpieces of past great dynasties (notably the Seljuks, the Mamluks, and the Timurids).
The object presents a very balanced profile, characteristic of Islamic ceremonial metalwork, with a convex and bulging base, rounded flanks, and a re-entrant neck surmounted by a straight rim. The decoration, highly dense, is organized into horizontally structured registers.
The belly is divided into four large polylobed cartouches separated by circular medallions adorned with Solomon’s knots and interlacing. Two of the cartouches house monumental cursive calligraphy (Thuluth style) interwoven on two levels, magnifying royal power. The two opposite cartouches display a geometric honeycomb lattice pattern. Friezes of ribbon interlacings and geometric waves frame the belly at the top and bottom. The neck is adorned with a delicate continuous frieze of scrolling vegetal motifs and stylized flowers. The outer lower base is outlined by a crown of pointed lambrequins containing fine engraved arabesques. The outer background is smooth, bearing the natural wear of time and rubbing, revealing some reddish oxidation tones characteristic of the high copper content in the alloy.
The inscription in Arabic reads as a ceremonial royal titulature, intended to bring luck to the owner:
"Glory to our lord the Sultan, the Just and Learned King"
(عز لمولانا السلطان الملك العادل العالم)
"The laborious one, the Conqueror, the Fighter of the Faith, the Protector, may his victory be magnified."
(العامل الغازي المجاهد المرابط عز نصره)
State of conservation: The object is in very good overall condition. The interior shows an oxidized patina of use (brown-green tints) without structural alteration. Some deformations.
Good overall condition for its age.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Basin (Tās) for Vows and Titles
Kadjar Era - 18th Century
Dimensions: Height: 9 cm x Maximum Diameter: 16 cm
Copper alloy (brass) cast, hammered and entirely chiseled at high heat
The Kadjar period (1789–1925) is an era of profound transition and cultural fascination for Iran. Artistically, this era is distinguished by a unique balance between preserving ancestral Persian traditions and introducing Western influences. Facing increasing openness to Europe, Kadjar rulers and elites felt the need to reaffirm the Persian national identity. Artisans deliberately sought to imitate the masterpieces of past great dynasties (notably the Seljuks, the Mamluks, and the Timurids).
The object presents a very balanced profile, characteristic of Islamic ceremonial metalwork, with a convex and bulging base, rounded flanks, and a re-entrant neck surmounted by a straight rim. The decoration, highly dense, is organized into horizontally structured registers.
The belly is divided into four large polylobed cartouches separated by circular medallions adorned with Solomon’s knots and interlacing. Two of the cartouches house monumental cursive calligraphy (Thuluth style) interwoven on two levels, magnifying royal power. The two opposite cartouches display a geometric honeycomb lattice pattern. Friezes of ribbon interlacings and geometric waves frame the belly at the top and bottom. The neck is adorned with a delicate continuous frieze of scrolling vegetal motifs and stylized flowers. The outer lower base is outlined by a crown of pointed lambrequins containing fine engraved arabesques. The outer background is smooth, bearing the natural wear of time and rubbing, revealing some reddish oxidation tones characteristic of the high copper content in the alloy.
The inscription in Arabic reads as a ceremonial royal titulature, intended to bring luck to the owner:
"Glory to our lord the Sultan, the Just and Learned King"
(عز لمولانا السلطان الملك العادل العالم)
"The laborious one, the Conqueror, the Fighter of the Faith, the Protector, may his victory be magnified."
(العامل الغازي المجاهد المرابط عز نصره)
State of conservation: The object is in very good overall condition. The interior shows an oxidized patina of use (brown-green tints) without structural alteration. Some deformations.
Good overall condition for its age.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
