A SELJUK ENGRAVED AND COPPER-INLAID BRONZE COVER WITH FISH DESIGN
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Khorasan, Eastern Iran or Central Asia, 11th - 13th century

Of rectangular shape with gently splayed edges, the centre of the cover chased in relief in the shape of a fish linked to a clover-like pierced handle, the exterior fully engraved and highlighted with copper-inlaid bands, a calligraphic frieze against scrolling vegetal meanders running around the external perimeter of the cover, the naturalism of the fish enhanced with engraved scales, eyes and lines on the fins, the central rectangle positioned below the fish engraved with a pair of ducks and vegetal scrolls, the sides with rectangular cartouches framing animals hunting prey alternating with roundels filled with scrolling tendrils and foliage, 11cm x 17.5cm.