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$850
An exceptionally decorative late 19th-century Islamic brass vase, distinguished by its elegant elongated silhouette, flared mouth and richly worked surface incorporating engraved decoration with contrasting silver- and copper-colored metal inlay. Standing 12.5 inches high, the vase has a beautifully balanced form: a rounded, almost teardrop-shaped body rises into an unusually long, slender neck before terminating in a gently flared lip. Its graceful proportions give the piece considerable visual presence despite its relatively compact footprint. The surface is densely ornamented in the tradition of historic Islamic metalwork. The bulbous body is organized into decorative cartouches and medallions surrounded by scrolling foliage, vegetal motifs, arabesques and finely engraved borders. Contrasting silver and warm copper tones enliven the golden brass ground, creating the characteristic polychrome metallic effect associated with luxury Islamic inlaid metalwork. Of particular interest are the inscription-filled cartouches incorporating Arabic script, integrated into the surrounding ornamental program rather than treated as isolated decoration. The long neck continues the composition with an elegant vertical band of interlaced ornament, visually drawing the eye upward toward the flared rim. The workmanship recalls the celebrated tradition of engraved and inlaid metal objects produced throughout the Islamic world and subsequently revived during the 19th century, when collectors in Europe and America developed a strong fascination with Persian, Syrian, Egyptian and broader Middle Eastern decorative arts. The vase also relates aesthetically to the Persian tradition of qalam-zani (ghalam-zani)—the highly skilled practice of decorating metal surfaces through engraving, chasing and intricate ornamental work. Its combination of brass, contrasting metals, calligraphic decoration and arabesque ornament makes it particularly appealing to collectors of Islamic, Persian Revival and Orientalist decorative arts. Today, the vase works equally well as a collectible object and as a sophisticated decorative accent. Its tall, architectural profile makes it especially effective displayed alone on a console, pedestal, library table or within a curated collection of Islamic and Middle Eastern metalwork. A highly decorative example with an attractive aged surface and the subtle irregularities expected from hand-worked antique metal.
