A SELJUK STYLE CAST BRONZE MIRROR WITH SPHINXES, IRAN OR AN...

Estimate

£300 - £500

A SELJUK
STYLE CAST BRONZE MIRROR WITH SPHINXES, IRAN OR ANATOLIA,
Of circular shape with a thin straight handle, a bronze discoid mirror, a central lug and rim, decorated with with two addorsed sphinxes with scorpion tails amid foliage, their faces replaced by heart-shaped abstract designs, a band of undeciphered inscription in foliate Kufic to the border, engraved vegetal tendrils on the handle, 11cm diameter and 19.5cm long,

During the rise of Seljuk and Turkish dynasties in the 12th - 13th centuries, a large production of circular cast-bronze mirrors can be witnessed. These mirrors had both a practical and apotropaic function, conceived as talismans often bearing benedictory inscriptions and auspicious animals and motifs. Given the wide popularity of these mirrors, many examples can be found in several museum collections (see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 15.43.285; and the LACMA, AC1995.252.28).