13th-14th century AD. A substantial bronze piriform incense bowl or lamp with stepped shoulder and shallow rim, floriated Kufic inscription of benedictory nature against a field of dots around the shoulder, openwork frieze of palmettes within lozenges around the body, C-section foot; bottom later. See Arthur Upham Pope, A Survey of Persian Art, Oxford, 1938, pl.1290 A, for type; a similar, slightly smaller example with more pronounced openwork decoration, and dating to the tenth or eleventh century, is in the Musée de Louvre, Paris (Acquisition 2000, MAO 1255"). 2.7 kg, 24cm (9 1/2"). Acquired from Bonhams, 24 April 2002, lot 301; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10976-180979. The precise purpose of this beautifully executed and intriguing object is somewhat ambiguous, although the fact that it has a large mouth and is made entirely in openwork, would suggest a function either as a receptacle for oil, to be used as a lamp, or for incense. The few known examples of this type of vessel are usually decorated in a similar style, with engraved and openwork geometric patterns and floral motifs connected with a knotted cord. The openwork frieze around the body of the bowl is particularly well-executed. [No Reserve] Condition Report Fine condition.