Seljuk Bronze Bowl - CK.0154 Origin: Central Asia Circa: 1037
AD
to 1157
AD Dimensions:7.5" (19.1cm) high x 7.5" (19.1cm) wide x 1" (2.5cm) depth Collection: Islamic Art Medium: Bronze and Glass
The Seljuks were a Turkic dynasty of Central
Asian nomadic origins. Having defeated the
Ghaznavids in the eleventh century they took
over Baghdad in 1055 A.D. At one point the
empire stretched across Iran, Iraq and much of
Anatolia. By the end of the eleventh century
however dynastic disputes led to the division of
these lands. The main branch- the so-called
Great Seljuks- maintained control over Iran. This
was a golden age for Islamic art typified by
innovation and experimentation. In metalwork
one of the most important developments was the
practice of inlaying bronze or brass objects with
precious metals such as copper, silver or gold.
Bronze casting flourished and famous workshops
were established in Khorasan and the
surrounding area.
A central medallion decorating this shallow bowl contains the image of a
mythological winged creature, possibly a griffin or Al-Buraq, the winged
steed that carried Muhammed on his Night Journey. This central medallion
is surrounded by four smaller circles located at the cardinal points with
blocks of text. This motif is in turn repeated on the outer rim of the
vessel, albeit here with six circles instead of four.