Inscribed Bowl 942 - 1535

This bowl was crafted by Al-Imami Sayyid Naqqash al-Husaini, around the mid-16th century. It's made from copper, a material prized for its malleability and heat conductivity. The bowl's surface is a testament to the maker’s skill. Notice the intricate inscriptions and patterns, achieved through a technique called chasing. This involves carefully hammering and shaping the metal from the outside. The copper has taken on a warm, reddish-brown patina over time, enhancing its visual appeal. Bowls like this held great significance in their time. Used for communal eating, washing, or ceremonial purposes, they embodied social bonds and cultural traditions. The inscriptions, likely verses of poetry or religious texts, further elevate its status, reflecting a culture that highly valued both artistic expression and literary wisdom. The level of labor involved suggests this was a luxury item, reflective of a hierarchical society. Thinking about this bowl invites us to consider the full scope of human creativity, and how materials and techniques can be used to carry complex cultural meanings.