Antique Medieval 12th–13th century A.D. (Hegira 6th-7th) Islamic Seljuk Bronze Mirror

Antique Medieval, 12th–13th century A.D. (Hegira 6th-7th) Islamic Seljuk cast bronze circular mirror
The front of the mirror decorated in relief with two addorsed sphinxes with Scorpion tails among sprays of foliage within a benedictory inscription band in Arabic Kufic calligraphy script the center with a raised attachment ring.

During the period time of the Seljuk Turkish dynasty in the 12th - 13th centuries, circular cast-bronze mirrors not only had a practical function, but also, they served as talismans, given their benedictory inscriptions and apotropaic motifs. Some are believed to have been used for divination or possess other magical powers.

References:

Similar Mirror from the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Artis published in the book: Court and Cosmos: The Great Age of Seljuqs by Canby, Sheila R., Deniz Beyazit, Martina Rugiadi, and A. C. S. Peacock. Page: 49.

Some examples of this type of the mirrors with similar motifs (specifically the type featuring a pair of sphinxes with scorpion tails, can be found in the most important world museum collections including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum.

Please see the links below:

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/446680

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1866-1229-76

https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O76897/mirror-ayine-mirror-unknown/

We will provide the buyer with photocopies from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.

CONDITION: It is in good condition for an antique bronze mirror which approximately 800 years old. Showing age and usage with nice old dark brown and green patina.

DIAMETER: 10.5 cm (4.13 inches).