of large and deep rounded form, the sides engraved with a wide band of inscriptions in large thuluth script, interspersed with medallions decorated with ducks and floral motifs, the interstices filled with vegetation, lower band of foliate scrolls with downward pointing slender palmettes, the interior well incised with a swirled rosette encircled by a band of fish

In fairly good overall condition, a few knocks and abrasions, particularly around the base, inlay gone, has undergone a light clean, as viewed.
"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."

inscriptions

mimma'umila bi-rasm al-maqarr al-'ali al-mawlawi al-a /miri al-kabiri al-ghazi al-mujahidi al-murabiti / al-mathaghiri al-mu'ayyadi al-'alimi al-'adi /li al-sayyidi al-maliki al-makhdumi al-nazami / al-humami al-qawami al-'adudi al-nasiri al-zahiri / al-dhukhri al-'awni al-ghiyathi al-maliki al-nasiri

'[This is] one of what was made for the High Authority, the Lord, the Great Commander, the Holy Warrior, the Diligent, the Defender, the Protector [of frontiers], the one Helped [by God], the Learned, the Just, the Master, the Possessor, the Well-served, the Orderly, the Gallant, the Supporter, the Help, the Assistant, the Aid, the Treasure [house of excellence], the Help, the Succour, [an officer of] al-Malik al-Nasir'

This particular bowl is distinct among other rounded bowls produced by Mamluk metalworkers due to its unusually large size. Bowls of a similar design tend to have been smaller (see Atil 1981, p.96, pl.29) whereas bowls of these proportions have generally differed in style, usually incorporating a wide everted rim (see Ward 1993, p.111, pl.88).

The use of in𒆙laid brass became extremely popular during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, being considered an effective alternative to gold and silver, and was patronised widely by the elite classes. This was particularly so in relation to the Mamluk pieces which, as this example's inscription testifies, appear to "...trumpet the social position of the🅺ir owner so loudly that the vessels seem intended more as vehicles of propaganda than for pleasure and appreciation." (Ward, 1993, p.95). A bowl of a similarly large size was sold in these rooms 9 April 2008, lot 172.