Seljuk Silver Unguent Bowl | Engraved Floral & Geometric Motifs | Persia | 12th–13th Century CE

Provenance & Ownership History
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Formerly handled by Mossgreen Auctions & Gallery, Melbourne, Australia, a prominent Australian auction house known for presenting fine art, antiques, decorative arts, and important single-owner collections. Mossgreen operated from its High Street premises in Armadale, Melbourne, until ceasing operations in 2017.

Subsequently held by B.C. Galleries, Armadale, Victoria, Australia, a long-established Melbourne gallery and dealership specializing in ancient art, antiquities, tribal art, and ethnographic objects. Established by at least 2006, the gallery operated from 1069 High Street, Armadale, and was associated with dealer Frank Bottaro.

$1,650.00
$1,650.00
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.
Medieval Seljuk silver unguent bowl from Persia dating to the 12th–13th century, featuring finely engraved floral and geometric decoration.
Medieval Seljuk Silver Unguent Bowl 12th–13th Century
12th–13th century Persian silver bowl showing a compact circular form, aged interior surface, and slightly irregular hand-forged rim.
Antique Seljuk silver vessel highlighting intricate engraved metalwork and a naturally aged silver patina.
Medieval Islamic silver unguent bowl with detailed floral and geometric motifs decorating the exterior surface.
Small Persian silver bowl from the Seljuk period, traditionally associated with storing precious oils, ointments, or perfumes.
Engraved decoration on a 12th–13th century Seljuk silver bowl showing fine hand-worked patterns and historic surface wear.
Medieval Persian silver unguent vessel with a shallow rounded form, uneven rim, and centuries-old natural patina.
Interior of a Seljuk silver bowl showing natural oxidation, surface wear, and preserved hand-forged construction.
Medieval Islamic metalwork bowl from Persia with delicate engraved ornamentation reflecting Seljuk artistic craftsmanship.
Seljuk-period silver unguent bowl displaying engraved decoration, aged silver surfaces, and a compact 2.5-inch diameter form.
  • Medieval Seljuk silver unguent bowl from Persia dating to the 12th–13th century, featuring finely engraved floral and geometric decoration.
  • Medieval Seljuk Silver Unguent Bowl 12th–13th Century
  • 12th–13th century Persian silver bowl showing a compact circular form, aged interior surface, and slightly irregular hand-forged rim.
  • Antique Seljuk silver vessel highlighting intricate engraved metalwork and a naturally aged silver patina.
  • Medieval Islamic silver unguent bowl with detailed floral and geometric motifs decorating the exterior surface.
  • Small Persian silver bowl from the Seljuk period, traditionally associated with storing precious oils, ointments, or perfumes.
  • Engraved decoration on a 12th–13th century Seljuk silver bowl showing fine hand-worked patterns and historic surface wear.
  • Medieval Persian silver unguent vessel with a shallow rounded form, uneven rim, and centuries-old natural patina.
  • Interior of a Seljuk silver bowl showing natural oxidation, surface wear, and preserved hand-forged construction.
  • Medieval Islamic metalwork bowl from Persia with delicate engraved ornamentation reflecting Seljuk artistic craftsmanship.
  • Seljuk-period silver unguent bowl displaying engraved decoration, aged silver surfaces, and a compact 2.5-inch diameter form.
Medieval Seljuk silver unguent bowl from Persia dating to the 12th–13th century, featuring finely engraved floral and geometric decoration.
Medieval Seljuk Silver Unguent Bowl 12th–13th Century
12th–13th century Persian silver bowl showing a compact circular form, aged interior surface, and slightly irregular hand-forged rim.
Antique Seljuk silver vessel highlighting intricate engraved metalwork and a naturally aged silver patina.
Medieval Islamic silver unguent bowl with detailed floral and geometric motifs decorating the exterior surface.
Small Persian silver bowl from the Seljuk period, traditionally associated with storing precious oils, ointments, or perfumes.
Engraved decoration on a 12th–13th century Seljuk silver bowl showing fine hand-worked patterns and historic surface wear.
Medieval Persian silver unguent vessel with a shallow rounded form, uneven rim, and centuries-old natural patina.
Interior of a Seljuk silver bowl showing natural oxidation, surface wear, and preserved hand-forged construction.
Medieval Islamic metalwork bowl from Persia with delicate engraved ornamentation reflecting Seljuk artistic craftsmanship.
Seljuk-period silver unguent bowl displaying engraved decoration, aged silver surfaces, and a compact 2.5-inch diameter form.
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Seljuk Silver Unguent Bowl | Engraved Floral & Geometric Motifs | Persia | 12th–13th Century CE

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Persia (modern-day Iran, with influence across Anatolia and the Levant)
Material: Silver
Period: Seljuk Period, 12th–13th Century CE

Description

This exquisite silver unguent bowl originates from the Seljuk Empire, a dynasty celebrated for its cultural, artistic, and architectural achievements during the medieval Islamic Golden Age. Finely crafted with intricate floral and geometric engravings, the bowl demonstrates the Seljuk mastery of metalwork and their ability to merge function with artistic refinement. Vessels of this type were used for holding precious oils, ointments, or perfumes in both ceremonial and elite domestic settings, reflecting status and sophistication.

Features

- Handcrafted silver bowl with delicate floral and geometric engravings

- Compact form designed for storing oils, ointments, or perfumes

- Slightly irregular rim characteristic of authentic hand-forged Seljuk metalwork

- Natural silver patina enhancing both age and historical character

Cultural Significance

The Seljuk Empire of the 12th–13th centuries was a flourishing center of Islamic art and culture, influencing regions across Persia, Anatolia, and the Levant. Metalwork objects such as this bowl were both functional and symbolic, reflecting refinement, wealth, and cultural exchange. The floral and geometric motifs exemplify Seljuk aesthetic principles, where beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship were harmoniously combined.

Condition

The bowl is well preserved with subtle signs of wear consistent with its age, including a slightly uneven rim. Its surface displays a stable silver patina confirming its centuries-old origin and authenticity.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 2.5 in

Age (Approximate)

725–925 years old

Provenance

Formerly handled by Mossgreen Auctions & Gallery, Melbourne, Australia, a prominent Australian auction house known for presenting fine art, antiques, decorative arts, and important single-owner collections. Mossgreen operated from its High Street premises in Armadale, Melbourne, until ceasing operations in 2017.

Subsequently held by B.C. Galleries, Armadale, Victoria, Australia, a long-established Melbourne gallery and dealership specializing in ancient art, antiquities, tribal art, and ethnographic objects. Established by at least 2006, the gallery operated from 1069 High Street, Armadale, and was associated with dealer Frank Bottaro.

Learn More

Discover medieval Islamic metalwork at AramcoWorld

Explore Our Collection of Islamic Metalwork

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Persia (modern-day Iran, with influence across Anatolia and the Levant)
Material: Silver
Period: Seljuk Period, 12th–13th Century CE

Description

This exquisite silver unguent bowl originates from the Seljuk Empire, a dynasty celebrated for its cultural, artistic, and architectural achievements during the medieval Islamic Golden Age. Finely crafted with intricate floral and geometric engravings, the bowl demonstrates the Seljuk mastery of metalwork and their ability to merge function with artistic refinement. Vessels of this type were used for holding precious oils, ointments, or perfumes in both ceremonial and elite domestic settings, reflecting status and sophistication.

Features

- Handcrafted silver bowl with delicate floral and geometric engravings

- Compact form designed for storing oils, ointments, or perfumes

- Slightly irregular rim characteristic of authentic hand-forged Seljuk metalwork

- Natural silver patina enhancing both age and historical character

Cultural Significance

The Seljuk Empire of the 12th–13th centuries was a flourishing center of Islamic art and culture, influencing regions across Persia, Anatolia, and the Levant. Metalwork objects such as this bowl were both functional and symbolic, reflecting refinement, wealth, and cultural exchange. The floral and geometric motifs exemplify Seljuk aesthetic principles, where beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship were harmoniously combined.

Condition

The bowl is well preserved with subtle signs of wear consistent with its age, including a slightly uneven rim. Its surface displays a stable silver patina confirming its centuries-old origin and authenticity.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 2.5 in

Age (Approximate)

725–925 years old

Provenance

Formerly handled by Mossgreen Auctions & Gallery, Melbourne, Australia, a prominent Australian auction house known for presenting fine art, antiques, decorative arts, and important single-owner collections. Mossgreen operated from its High Street premises in Armadale, Melbourne, until ceasing operations in 2017.

Subsequently held by B.C. Galleries, Armadale, Victoria, Australia, a long-established Melbourne gallery and dealership specializing in ancient art, antiquities, tribal art, and ethnographic objects. Established by at least 2006, the gallery operated from 1069 High Street, Armadale, and was associated with dealer Frank Bottaro.

Learn More

Discover medieval Islamic metalwork at AramcoWorld

Explore Our Collection of Islamic Metalwork

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