Specialties



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Old 19th. C. Syrian Cuerda Seca Enamel Copper Pot
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Regional Art:
Pre 1900 item# 801911
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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Lovingly hand crafted, this 19th century enameled pot was made in Damascus or Aleppo Syria using a Cuerda Seca style of enamelling. There are some minor enamel losses, but considering the size of the inlays, the age of the pot, and the fact that this was made to be used as a planter, it has survived remarkably well. There is a fairly substantial dent on the lower part of the pot with enamel losses, and a couple of smaller knocks with lesser losses. One side shows well for display. Measuring 6" (15 cm) by 6 inches (15 cm), and weighing nearly a pound and a half (.75 K), this piece is quite solid. This piece is estimated to be 100-150 years old.
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Yemeni Horn Silver Studded Jambiya Dagger
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Regional Art:
Pre 1900 item# 801019
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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This is a very graceful and beautiful Yemeni dagger. It measures 12" long and weighs 3/4 pound. The handle has two pounded coins affixed, and the surface has a nubbly texture to it . I believe it may be either Giraffe or Rhino horn. The leather sheath is embellished with hand worked silver studs, ending with a silver dangle. This was made approximately 1880-1920 for ceremonial dress use, so the blade is unsharpened and chromed.
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19th C. Persian Cuerda Seca Enamel Copper Pot
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Archives:
Regional Art:
Pre 1900 item# 799970
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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Lovingly hand crafted, this 19th century enameled pot was made in Esfahan, (Isfahan) Persia (Iran) using a Cuerda Seca style of enameling.
Cuerda Seca enameling is done in the following manner: The design is stamped or carved into the surface after which colored glazes are applied. The contours of the designs are detailed with a mixture of beeswax or vegetable fat and manganese oxide. During the firing, the wax or fat burns away producing contours of red or black that also prevent the differently-colored glazes from running into one another. This technique was created during the Seljuk (14th-15th C.) period in Persia, (modern Iran and Iraq) and eventually made it's way via Syria, Turkey, Greece, and Italy to Spain where it is used extensively in tile and pottery making even today.
There are some minor enamel losses, but considering the size of the inlays, the age of the pot, and the fact that this was made to be used as a planter, it has survived remarkably well.
Measuring 3.25" by 4", and weighing a half pound, this piece is quite solid. This piece is estimated to be 100-150 years old
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19th. C. Afghan Silver Copper Pitcher Aftobe
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Regional Art:
Pre 1900 item# 728707
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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A very finely detailed aftobe or aftaba pitcher. Islamic calligraphy inscriptions in cartouches are lines to a poem, I'm told. There are semi medallion and foliate details on the neck. The silvering over the copper has worn and highlights the lettering. Measuring 16" tall by 6" wide in diameter by 10" and weighs four and a half pounds. This piece is estimated to be from the mid 19th century.
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Large Syrian Brass Mamluk Revival Pot Planter
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Regional Art:
Pre 1900 item# 728704
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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This brass pot has a great deal of detail and texture to it's traditional Mamluk design, TheThe shoulder is encircled with a foliate chain with trefoil accents. The Islamic calligraphy cartouches alternate with endless knot medallions. The main belly has a series of unusually shaped script cartouches. Unfortunately, this piece has some extensive damage to the bottom, which still displays well, and would not be noticed if this is used as a planter. Measuring 9 1/2" tall by 14" across, this amazing pot weighs nearly four pounds. Meticulously hand carved, the fabrication of this type of metalwork is a dying art. This piece is estimated to be 70-100 years old. The Mamluk dynasty existed from approximately 1250 to 1500 A.D. The Mamluks were slave soldiers from Central Asia who earned their freedom and became rulers of a dynasty which lasted 250 years. Their rulers were known for patonage of the arts, thus this was the most prolific and influential period for Islamic art. Mamluk metalware is recognizeable by the repeated cartouches and medallions and the chain patterns encircling the pieces. There was a revival of this style of art spurred on by wealthy travelers who went "on tour" for extended periods of time.
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Islamic 1920's Mamluk Revival Brass Incense Burner
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Regional Art:
Pre 1920 item# 712606
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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This brass Syrian incense burner is elaborately embellished. Two of the sides contain Islamic script cartouches, which alternate with two quatrefoil etched and pierced medallions. Pierced trefoil semi medallions alternate at the bottom of the lid. The base is encircled with a chain design. Measuring 5" to the top of the crescent moon finial and 3" across the belly of the lid, and with the gracefully arching brass legs 4" across at the bottom, and weighing half a pound, this piece is surprisingly heavy. This piece is estimated to be 90-110 years old.
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Kashmir Carved Copper Teapot Snake Handle
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Regional Art:
Pre 1900 item# 677016
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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Meticulously hand carved Kashmiri Tea Server. Heavily patinated, This particular teapot has some amazingly fine foliate detail featuring fish, possibly carp, with a serpent handle. The hinge has a break , but the lid sits nicely, and it would be easily repaired. Aside from this, it is in very good condition. Measuring 6.5" tall, and 10" from handle to spout, and weighing a little over two pounds before packing, this is far more solid and substantial than usual for Kashmir copper work from this period, This is estimated to be made in Kashmir 100 to 150 years ago.
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Brass Travellers Scribe Inlaid Qalamdan Divit Inkwell
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Regional Art:
Pre 1900 item# 575466
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The Old Bazaar
510-910-3922
SOLD
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If this Scribes case could talk, oh what tales it would tell. Until this century, many people couldn't read or write, but still needed contracts, deeds and other documents drawn up. For many, the travelling scribe was every bit as valued as a lawyer or solicitor. This piece has some very fine Islamic Calligraphy as well as design details consistent with Persian or Turkish metalwork. A 19th century piece, it does show some effects of being well travelled, yet well cared for. The hinge to the quill compartment closes securely, and this piece is in better than average condition for it's age. Please look at the photos carefully to assess condition. This case has a medium patina, with mamluk style inlaid script in Silver accented with copper. My guess is that this was from the Syria or Turkey. I have made no attempt to clean this. It measures 12.25" long, and the attached inkpot is approximately 1.5" square. A very substantial piece, it weighs 1.5 pounds. Scribes used to tuck these cases into their belts, and the inkpots kept them from slipping through. A unique and historical item for your desk.
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