Origin, translation and what this item is used for?

Saracen · 19th February 2023, 09:25 PM

Good afternoon everyone.
It is very interesting to know what this item was used for (I have information that this is an incense bowl, but I'm not sure about it).
There are six inscriptions on this bowl, maybe someone can translate them? I would really appreciate it.
Perhaps, from the ornament or style of writing, someone can find out something about the place of origin of this item?
I really like this bowl and would like to know more about it.
Thanks for the help

JoeCanada42 · 20th February 2023, 01:59 PM

Hi, my guesses; from Egypt ? Cairo ware ? Mamluk revival style ?

Richard G · 22nd February 2023, 06:20 PM

Yes, Cairoware. Altho' something similar is also made in Syria.
This one is Mamluk revival in style but you can also find designs around Ancient Egyptian motifs and hieroglyphics.
Sold in the bazaars, and I am not aware of any specific purpose.
As there a six panels I wouldn't be surprised if Allah, Muhammad and the names of the Four Rightfully Guided Caliphs are buried somewhere in the florid, bordering on otiose, calligraphy.
Best wishes
Richard

kahnjar1 · 23rd February 2023, 04:00 AM

Yes I agree with others who have replied. Cairoware Mamluk Revival style. I have a coffee pot of similar origin. Pics attached (Sorry for sideways posting but you get the idea

)
Stu

JoeCanada42 · 23rd February 2023, 04:24 AM

I got one also, the smaller photo should come out to life size,
as for what was kept inside the bowl? this one was for coffee or special tea?
with any luck after a good polish a genie may emerge.

kahnjar1 · 23rd February 2023, 06:32 AM

Nice pot you have there. I like it a lot! Not sure for coffee or tea. The one I have stands approx 14cm. You mention polish but it would be a pity to lose the VERY NICE patina. Maybe a rub with silver polish (to see if there is any silver inlay like on the subject bowl) would be sufficient.
Stu

19th February 2023, 09:25 PM	#1
Saracen Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 147	Origin, translation and what this item is used for? Good afternoon everyone. It is very interesting to know what this item was used for (I have information that this is an incense bowl, but I'm not sure about it). There are six inscriptions on this bowl, maybe someone can translate them? I would really appreciate it. Perhaps, from the ornament or style of writing, someone can find out something about the place of origin of this item? I really like this bowl and would like to know more about it. Thanks for the help Attached Images

23rd February 2023, 04:00 AM	#4
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	Yes I agree with others who have replied. Cairoware Mamluk Revival style. I have a coffee pot of similar origin. Pics attached (Sorry for sideways posting but you get the idea) Stu Attached Images

23rd February 2023, 04:24 AM	#5
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	I got one also, the smaller photo should come out to life size, as for what was kept inside the bowl? this one was for coffee or special tea? with any luck after a good polish a genie may emerge. Attached Images

20th February 2023, 01:59 PM	#2
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	Hi, my guesses; from Egypt ? Cairo ware ? Mamluk revival style ?

22nd February 2023, 06:20 PM	#3
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 406	Yes, Cairoware. Altho' something similar is also made in Syria. This one is Mamluk revival in style but you can also find designs around Ancient Egyptian motifs and hieroglyphics. Sold in the bazaars, and I am not aware of any specific purpose. As there a six panels I wouldn't be surprised if Allah, Muhammad and the names of the Four Rightfully Guided Caliphs are buried somewhere in the florid, bordering on otiose, calligraphy. Best wishes Richard

23rd February 2023, 06:32 AM	#6
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	Nice pot you have there. I like it a lot! Not sure for coffee or tea. The one I have stands approx 14cm. You mention polish but it would be a pity to lose the VERY NICE patina. Maybe a rub with silver polish (to see if there is any silver inlay like on the subject bowl) would be sufficient. Stu