Lot 104
- 104
A Veneto-Saracenic dish, ascribed to Mahmud al-Kurdi, Egypt or Syria, second-half 15th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- metalwork
of shallow form with flat rim, a dense ground of foliate motifs overlaid with knotted ropework in silver forming cartouches and medallions
Condition
In fairly good condition, the surface rubbed with losses to silver overlay, some minor fissures on internal rim, 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."
"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
‘amal al-mu’allim mahmu[d]/ al-kurdi yarju al-mahgfi[ra]
‘Work of the master Mahmud al-Kurdi, hoping for forgiveness’
Scholarly debate over the group of metalwork known as 'Veneto-Saracenic wares' has seen them be attributed to both Venice and the Middle East. Mahmud al-Kurdi presents a particularly interesting and enigmatic figure in this debate, his signature appearing both in Arabic (or Persian) and transliterated Roman script. Furthermore, it is still uncertain whether these signatures should be interpreted as the work of a single master or refer to an entire atelier. Although a small number of signed works are securely attributed to the master himself, there remain many more works which could possibly be ascribed to him, including this dish which on stylistic accounts can be attributable to his period. These objects, often finely worked and manifesting plural influences, speak of the extensive trade network between Renaissance Europe and the Islamic world at this time.
For further information on the works by Mahmud al-Kurdi, see S. Auld, Renaissance Venice, Islam and Mahmud the Kurd: A metalworking enigma, London, 2004.
‘amal al-mu’allim mahmu[d]/ al-kurdi yarju al-mahgfi[ra]
‘Work of the master Mahmud al-Kurdi, hoping for forgiveness’
Scholarly debate over the group of metalwork known as 'Veneto-Saracenic wares' has seen them be attributed to both Venice and the Middle East. Mahmud al-Kurdi presents a particularly interesting and enigmatic figure in this debate, his signature appearing both in Arabic (or Persian) and transliterated Roman script. Furthermore, it is still uncertain whether these signatures should be interpreted as the work of a single master or refer to an entire atelier. Although a small number of signed works are securely attributed to the master himself, there remain many more works which could possibly be ascribed to him, including this dish which on stylistic accounts can be attributable to his period. These objects, often finely worked and manifesting plural influences, speak of the extensive trade network between Renaissance Europe and the Islamic world at this time.
For further information on the works by Mahmud al-Kurdi, see S. Auld, Renaissance Venice, Islam and Mahmud the Kurd: A metalworking enigma, London, 2004.