Sotheby's International Auction House exhibits Mamluk piece from Egypt

CAIRO – 12 May 2021: Sotheby's Auction House in London displayed a Mamluk piece inlaid with silver and cast brass from Egypt, dating back to the late 13th century and early 14th century.

The piece was displayed in an auction titled “Arts of the Islamic world and India, including Luxury Carpets.” Its price is estimated to be between £12,000 and £18,000, but the piece has not yet been sold.

Inside the piece is a deep circular shape decorated with an inscription separated by six circular motifs, each of which contains a circular rose.

The piece is decorated on the underside with a concentric ribbon of long line surrounded by intertwining foliage and roses, with a small fish pond in the center of the interior and remnants of silver inlay.

It is worth noting that Sotheby's previously sold three huge Ottoman-style cases, dating back to the 17th century. The huge cases were estimated to cost between £80,000 and £120,000, but they were sold for £107,000. 

The manuscript consists of 15 lines written in long Kufic script in dark brown ink, with diacritical marks in red and green dots and inverted gold dividers outlined in dark brown. The headings of the surahs in gold are outlined in dark brown ink and are framed.