Posted 6 years ago
Golgatha
(217 items)
Here's a small box I bought at a flea market in Copenhagen for the equivalent of USD 23. 5.0 cm x 8.0 cm x 5.0 cm. Brass engraved and inlaid with copper. Cedarwood on the inside. My guess would be that it's Egyptian (?) But from when and what does the text translate to ? If you know, then don't hesitate to tell me !
The script definitely looks Middle Eastern but I have not seen anything Egyptian with a design like that.
I hope someone here can shed light on it.
Hard to say, could be from the Muslim Middle Eastern or Islamic area, looks quite old. The cedar lining would be to prevent insect damage to the valuable contents.
I know many decorative items had these calligraphy symbols as part of the design. Even Chinese exports, would display this sort of motif for that specific market.
This is a Chinese cloisonne bowl and stand, early 20th century.
https://www.rm-auctions.com/attachment-cache/width/1000/2018/07/24/5d69ae4/a-chinese-cloisonne-islamic-market-incense-burner-qianlong-mark-19th-c-1.jpg
Agree-- Damascus is well known for this type of work.
Here is a trench art example from the early 20th century:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/168026-ww1-damascus-trench-art-humidor
scott
Thanks renedijkstra for your comments. By googeling I found pieces like this one. Believed to be made for sale to 'grand tour' tourists in Egypt around 1900.