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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Seljuk-period silver unguent bowl from Persia, 12th–13th century CE, with engraved floral and geometric motifs, used for oils or perfumes, showing natural silver patina.
360° view of a 12th–13th century Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl, intricately engraved with floral and geometric motifs, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship, aged patina, and historical artistry under studio lighting.
Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from 12th–13th century CE, featuring intricate engraved floral and geometric motifs with a natural silver patina, displayed on a clear acrylic stand under studio lighting.
Angled view of Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from 12th–13th century CE, featuring intricate engraved floral and geometric motifs with aged silver patina, displayed on a clear acrylic base under studio lighting.
Top-angled view of a Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, showing engraved floral and geometric interior patterns with aged patina and subtle wear from centuries of preservation.
Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, side profile view showing intricate engraved floral and geometric designs with aged silver patina, positioned on a clear display base under neutral studio lighting
Overhead view of Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, revealing the detailed engraved interior with geometric lattice design and aged patina, displayed on a transparent acrylic stand.
  • Seljuk-period silver unguent bowl from Persia, 12th–13th century CE, with engraved floral and geometric motifs, used for oils or perfumes, showing natural silver patina.
  • 360° view of a 12th–13th century Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl, intricately engraved with floral and geometric motifs, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship, aged patina, and historical artistry under studio lighting.
  • Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from 12th–13th century CE, featuring intricate engraved floral and geometric motifs with a natural silver patina, displayed on a clear acrylic stand under studio lighting.
  • Angled view of Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from 12th–13th century CE, featuring intricate engraved floral and geometric motifs with aged silver patina, displayed on a clear acrylic base under studio lighting.
  • Top-angled view of a Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, showing engraved floral and geometric interior patterns with aged patina and subtle wear from centuries of preservation.
  • Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, side profile view showing intricate engraved floral and geometric designs with aged silver patina, positioned on a clear display base under neutral studio lighting
  • Overhead view of Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, revealing the detailed engraved interior with geometric lattice design and aged patina, displayed on a transparent acrylic stand.
Seljuk-period silver unguent bowl from Persia, 12th–13th century CE, with engraved floral and geometric motifs, used for oils or perfumes, showing natural silver patina.
360° view of a 12th–13th century Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl, intricately engraved with floral and geometric motifs, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship, aged patina, and historical artistry under studio lighting.
Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from 12th–13th century CE, featuring intricate engraved floral and geometric motifs with a natural silver patina, displayed on a clear acrylic stand under studio lighting.
Angled view of Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from 12th–13th century CE, featuring intricate engraved floral and geometric motifs with aged silver patina, displayed on a clear acrylic base under studio lighting.
Top-angled view of a Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, showing engraved floral and geometric interior patterns with aged patina and subtle wear from centuries of preservation.
Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, side profile view showing intricate engraved floral and geometric designs with aged silver patina, positioned on a clear display base under neutral studio lighting
Overhead view of Seljuk Persian silver unguent bowl from the 12th–13th century CE, revealing the detailed engraved interior with geometric lattice design and aged patina, displayed on a transparent acrylic stand.
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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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