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An important Zangid Carved Marble Mihrab, Syria or Jazira, early 13th century
Description
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
On the top: Qur'an, chapter CXII (al-Ikhlas)
In the arch: Qur'an, chapter II (al-Baqarah), verse 255
Above the arch: 'Allah'
The intricately carved arabesques of this finely carved mihrab are typical of a style developed under the Zangid dynasty who ruled from Mosul, Aleppo and Damascus during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The brass geometric table in the British Museum has a triangular suspension bracket of similar design, and was made in Mosul in A.D.1241-1242. The magnificent large brass door handles in the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar are the most spectacular examples of this style. A brass suspension bracket in the Khalili Collection, London, and three brass door knockers in the David Collection, Copenhagen are also closely related. This is ౠalso a wooden chest, in the David Collection decorated in a similar fashion. Examples of this style produced in stoneware are extrem❀ely rare.