* Tâs veneto-sarrasin Lot n° 146

Syria, Mamluk art, 14th-15th century In brass inlaid with silver, with flattened rim, the outer sides decorated with two heraldic medallions and two interlacing medallions, separated by long stems interlaced with a kufic inscription on a background of three-lobed motifs, the underside decorated with arabesques, the bottom formerly inlaid with black organic matter. 6 x 13.5 cm The term "Veneto-Saracenic" refers to metalwork carried out mainly in Egypt and Syria, on objects intended for export (14th to 16th centuries). The objects are decorated with arabesques, Islamic geometric motifs and Venetian and European coats-of-arms. Scientific debate on the group of metal objects known as "Veneto-Saracenic" has led to their being attributed to both Venice and the Middle East. These objects, often finely worked and displaying multiple influences, reflect the vast commercial network between Renaissance Europe and the Islamic world at the time. For a complete analysis of this type of bowl, see S. Auld, Renaissance Venice, Islam and Mahmud the Kurd - A Metalworking Enigma, 2004, pp.141-197. Provenance : This lot is sold as a temporary import. A fine veneto-Saracenic silver-inlaid brass bowl, Syria, 14th-15th century