Caucasian Inkwells

A superb antique English Edwardian silverplate and oak inkwell inkstand with a pen rest, circa 1900. This fine inkstand has the original lovely cut cr...

A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This gorgeous inkwell is hand painted with a traditional Breton man surrounded by bagpipes...

Antique 1940s Mosaic Shell Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box. Mosaic Luxury Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Vanity Box. Middle Eastern Asian Mosaic Wood Box with Inlays ...

Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.

Middle Eastern Egyptian hand etched polished brass vessel. Could be used as a vase or Jardiniere, indoor or outdoor. Arabic Mameluke revival style brass vessel with figural scenes and pyramid architectural and geometric designs hand-hammered on metal polished vessel. Etched with figures of the Pharaoh and scenes from the ancient pharaonic period. Great decorative collector antique Middle Eastern Egyptian Islamic metalwork folk art object brass bowl hand crafted by artisans. Hand made in Egypt, 19th Century.

An exceptional hand crafted antique Moorish revival brass bowl engraved in relief with a continuous figural scene, probably a wedding dating from the 1...

A large and impressive Qajar circular brass tray, Iran, early 20th century. Measures: 19 5/8 in. (50 cm.) diameter. Finely engraved, chased and punched in heavy gauge brass. Th...

French Louis XV-style (19/20th Century) silver plate on bronze oval shaped inkwell with handles and acorn finial.  

These interesting inkwells were crafted in Britain between the Victorian period and early to mid-20th century. The works have been created from horse hooves, applied with sterling silver mounts. Each hoof has been set onto a silver horseshoe and features a silver top and lid. Two of the tops have been engraved to imitate real horse hair, while the third is more simple, with banded ornament. All three have been given covers, two of which feature commemorative inscriptions. One lid states, ‘The Grey/1907-1917’ — presumably the name of the favourite racehorse, whose hoof this is — and another reads, ‘Mavourneen/ Died June 29th / Aged 53’. ‘Mavourneen’ is an Irish Gaelic word meaning ‘my beloved’. The dedicatee’s age of 53 implies that they were a human, perhaps a jokey, or racehorse owner. The lids open up onto a silver-lined interior, intended to be used for storing ink as part of a desk arrangement. The inkwells are stamped, on their underside, with silver hallmarks and maker’s marks, ‘J.T.’ and ‘C & CS’. This set of three horse hoof inkwells...

This is a traditional brass pot from the Middle East, used for brewing and serving Arabic coffee, or "qahwa." Crafted in the 1800s, this piece reflects t...

Metal brass Middle Eastern Moorish Islamic bowl finely and heavily hand-etched and hand carved with brass repousse. 19th century Islamic Egyptian hand-et...

Antique Middle Eastern Islamic art Moorish brass bowl engraved with Thuluth Arabic calligraphy.The polished brass bowl is profusely chased with vines and vegetal motifs and inscribed with Islamic verses of the Holly Koran.This bowl has been professionally cleaned and polished.Measures: Diameter 7.25" x 4" height Mouth opening: 5".Great Middle Eastern brass metalwork decorative Islamic art objects.Handcrafted Moorish hand-etched Islamic metal brass bowl.Engraved, incised and hammered with very fine Arabic Islamic calligraphy writing and geometric designs on brass vessel.Very Intricate fine Middle eastern Moorish Islamic Art metalwork, museum quality artwork.Late 19th Century.Date of Manufacture: Circa 1880.Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. Islamic brass metalwork is an intricate and beautiful form of art that originated in the Islamic world. It encompasses a wide range of decorative objects made from brass or other metals such as copper, bronze, and silver. Brass trays, in particular, are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and intricate designs. Islamic brass metalwork has a rich history that dates back to the early Islamic period, with its roots in the metalworking traditions of ancient civilizations such as the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. However, Islamic artisans developed their own unique styles and techniques, blending elements from various cultures and creating distinctive motifs that reflected Islamic aesthetics and religious beliefs. The process of creating brass trays involves several steps, each requiring specialized skills. Here is a general overview of the traditional techniques involved: 1) Design: A skilled artist or calligrapher creates the design for the brass object. Islamic brass metalwork often incorporates intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, floral motifs, and calligraphy inspired by Quranic verses or poetry. 2) Metalworking: The object is typically made from a sheet of brass or another metal. The metal is cut into the desired shape and then hammered or pressed to create the object. Traditional techniques such as repoussé (hammering from the reverse side) or chasing (hammering on the front side) may be employed to shape the metal. 3) Engraving: The surface of the metal is often decorated with intricate engravings or etchings. Skilled artisans use chisels, gravers, or other specialized tools to create fine details and elaborate patterns. 4) Filigree and Inlay: Some brass trays feature additional decorative elements such as filigree or inlay work. Filigree involves shaping thin wires of brass into delicate patterns and soldering them onto the tray's surface. Inlay work, on the other hand, involves embedding contrasting materials such as silver or copper into the brass, creating intricate designs. 5) Surface Treatment: After the main decorative work is complete, the tray may undergo surface treatments to enhance its appearance. This can include processes like polishing, buffing, or applying various chemical patinas to create an aged or oxidized effect. While this bowl has certainly witnessed the passage of time, it remains in remarkably good condition, with only minor signs of age that add character to its appearance. The patina on the brass enhances its antique allure, making it a truly authentic and captivating collectible. Arabic Calligraphy: The Arabic writing on the bowl is a work of art in itself. The calligraphy showcases the mastery of the scribe's hand, with flowing curves and intricate details that form an elegant script. The script may include Quranic verses, blessings, or poetic verses, depending on the bowl's origin and purpose. The inscriptions are not only visually striking but also carry profound meaning, making this bowl a beautiful representation of Islamic heritage. Intricate Patterns: In addition to the Arabic calligraphy, the bowl features intricate geometric patterns and motifs that further enhance its visual appeal. These patterns are a hallmark of Islamic art and reflect the mathematical precision and artistic creativity that defined Islamic craftsmanship. This antique Islamic brass bowl...