Fine Quality Persian Silver and Brass Hammam Bowl, C20th

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Location: United Kingdom
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Auction Start: 24/06/25 21:00:00 UTC
Auction Ending: 10/07/25 20:18:00 UTC
Time Remaining: 13d 16h 32m
LOT NUMBER 40
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LOT NUMBER 40

Fine Quality Persian Silver and Brass Hammam Bowl, C20th

This is a very finely worked small bowl, the gently curved sides with a lipped rim, made from silver with brass inlay to the exterior. The decoration inside and out is mainly quite distinct demanding great skill from the silversmith who had to hammer punch the designs on both sides without damaging the body of the piece in any way. The exterior has a continuous series of panels in rounded and geometric shapes all intricately decorated with either Moorish style stylised floral designs or diaper work between two diaper filled line borders and at the base is star like emblem with arabesque designs. The star emblem is repeated in the centre of the interior and surrounded by six lobed emblems, again with arabesque designs, between six pendants with drops in the form of endless knots suspended from hexagonal diaper filled panels. The lipped rim was deliberately left plain. That this was a luxury item at the time of its production is quite clear. The form is said to be that of a ‘Hammam’ bowl, used by bathers to sprinkle water over themselves while visiting the Hammam (commonly termed by Westerners the ‘Turkish Bath’), a type of steam bath or a place of public bathing associated with the Islamic world. Unlike the practice in baths of the Classical world, bathers at the Hammam usually wash themselves with running water instead of immersing themselves, since this is a requirement of Islam. The ‘Hammam’ bowl was designed as an accessory in the process. Dating is slightly speculative, but these finely worked bowls, though not often as finely worked as this example, are usually ascribed to the early years of the twentieth century. Given the theme of this sale, this bowl could be regarded as a useful companion when the scholar seeks relaxation at the end of a long day’s study!
Size: W 12cm H 4.5cm
Weight: 185 grams
Date: Early C20th
Condition: Good condition generally; a very slight dent at the top rim (see image 14)
Estimate: £80 – 120

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