Bowl

Following the Mongol invasions in the thirteenth century and the disintegration of the Ilkhanid dynasty (1256-1353), local dynasties such as the Inju emerged. Under the Injuids (the southwestern province of Fars, modern-day Iran), several metalwork centres were in operation. As patrons of the arts, the Injuids were associated with a group of brass artifacts inlaid with silver and gold. The vessel displayed here features a common pattern of intersecting circles, and a bold inscription incorporated in the bowl’s decorative scheme details the various titles of a sultan. The main body is additionally adorned with four medallions featuring birds and foliage designs surrounded by epigraphic blessings to the owner. The bird motif and the central rosette on the base possibly suggest celestial symbolism, a defining trait of this type of bowl.