Seljuk bowl. Iran, Khorasan, Seljuk period, ca. 12th century.

Seljuk bowl. Iran, Khorasan, Seljuk period, ca. 12th century.
Bronze with engraved decoration.
Measurements: 10,5 x 38 cm.

This Seljuk bowl is decorated with the representation of a harpy framed in a medallion surrounded by friezes of calligraphic cartouches and fleurons. It has cursive calligraphy in the margin.

The Seljuq was a Turkish o?uz dynasty that reigned in present-day Iran and Iraq, as well as in Asia Minor between the mid-11th century and the late 13th century. They came to Anatolia from Central Asia in the late 10th century considerably weakening the Byzantine Empire with their push westward.