Antique 18-19th Century Islamic Indo Persian Brass Divination Bowl Magic Bowl Medicinal Bowl

Antique Islamic brass divination bowl, also called Magic Bowl or Medicinal bowl, 18th-19th century, Indo Persia.

Made from turned and hand-finished cast brass in a typical rounded form, on a low circular foot, with an averted rim, and pierced with a small hole allowing a suspension cord to be fitted.

The center of the bowl has a tapering central boss among Arabic calligraphy.

The inner walls are decorated with 13 panels in the form of a “Mihrab” niche with engraved talismanic and Koranic symbols in the Arabic script in Naskh style.

The exterior is finely engraved with 8 medallions with talismanic and Koranic symbols in Naskh-style Arabic script.

The rim is engraved with an additional script.

Magic bowls were used in the Islamic world to treat all kinds of illnesses, including poisoning.

Water placed in such bowls was believed to acquire healing properties upon contact with various talismanic and Koranic symbols and verses engraved on the bowl.

PROVENANCE: It comes from an important Canadian private collection of Islamic art.

MEASUREMENTS:

Diameter: 14.5 cm (5.7 inches)

Height: 4.3 cm (1.7 inches)

WEIGHT: 230 grams (0.5 pounds).

CONDITION: It is in good condition considering its age, showing age and use, minor dents, small abrasions (consistent with age and use), natural color, and patina.