JB1335 MINIATURE INKWELL, CENTRAL ASIA,
ACE
900-1200
Miniature, cast bronze/brass inkwell; slightly
flaring,
vertical sides rise up from everted footring to
flange
supporting separately cast lid with finial punched
for
original inlay. A charming piece finished to an
exceptional standard; attractive glossy,
variegated
patina over whole.
The existing, longstanding tradition for metalwork
in the Islamic world is carried to new heights
during
this period of Central Asian history. Great patrons
such as the Seljuks (ACE 1040-1250), a Turkic-
Persian dynasty of slaves and mercenaries that
established themselves as guardians of the
declining
Abbasid dynasty in Baghdad governed large
parts of
the region. Under their helm we see the
enrichment
of existing forms and processes .
The three brackets were intended to fix cords for
carrying. The inkwell would have been packed
with
layers of silk to absorb the ink - hirb - and
prevent
the nib overflowing- a technique that has not
been
wholly effective here as we still have traces of
original ink on the underside of the lid.
Prof. Geza Fehervari
Prof. Geoffrey King
- (JB.1335)
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