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Overview
A small vintage brass bowl from the Middle East, engraved all around the outside. The squat, rounded body has a short neck and a rolled rim. The main band shows six-petaled flowers in round medallions, sprays of leaves and flowers in framed panels, and a panel of tall, upright Arabic-style script letters, all set against hatched backgrounds. Engraved bands with zigzag lines run above and below, and a ring of short notches circles the base. The inside is tinned, so the silvery interior contrasts with the golden brass outside. It suits a shelf, desk, side table or entry console as a trinket or key dish, or as a small accent with other Middle Eastern or world pieces.
Background
Engraved brass bowls with tinned interiors have long been made and used across the Middle East, where tinning was applied to the inside of brass and copper vessels used for food and drink. This bowl is unmarked and unsigned. It is made from a single piece of brass with a flat base, and the engraving is cut by hand into the surface.
Condition
Good vintage condition with no breaks or repairs seen. The tinning inside is worn and spotted, with gray and dark patches. The outside has darkening in the engraved recesses, small bright spots where the tarnish has rubbed off, and patchy dark and light spotting on the base. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The bowl measures 2.2 inches high and 4.4 inches in diameter. It weighs about 6.8 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
