Request for Evaluation – Antique Gold-Colored Bowl with Arabic Inscriptions
24 March 2025
Description

I am requesting an evaluation of a metallic bowl that was given to me as a gift. Here are the details: • Material: Gold-colored metal (does not react to flame or magnet) • Weight: Approximately 1 kg (each bowl) • Diameter: [Insert diameter in cm] • Height: [Insert height in cm] • Inscriptions: Features Arabic calligraphy engraved around the outer rim – possibly religious (e.g., verses, blessings, or names of Allah). • Condition: Excellent, with no visible damage. Detailed craftsmanship with hand-engraved patterns. • Origin: Unknown (possibly Middle Eastern or Islamic heritage) Photos are attached showing the bowl from all sides, including a close-up of the inscriptions. I would greatly appreciate any insight into: • The possible origin and historical/cultural value, • Whether the material could be gold or a high-value alloy, • Any potential market value (collector or auction-based). Thank you in advance for your expertise.

Dimensions

4.2 H 10.2 L

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 6 days
By David U.
Mar 30, 12:50 UTC
Fair Market Value
$250 - $400 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello,

Your item is a gold-colored metal bowl with Arabic inscriptions, likely of Middle Eastern or Islamic heritage, and made using traditional casting and engraving techniques. Based on the images and provided details, this piece appears to be an early-to-mid 20th century Islamic decorative bowl, rather than a medieval or antique ritual vessel. The bowl features an elegant band of Arabic calligraphy, potentially Quranic or poetic in nature, encircling the upper register. While the exact translation requires further clarity, the use of Thuluth or Naskh script styles is consistent with decorative wares from regions such as Iran, Egypt, or Syria.

This bowl is made of a non-magnetic, gold-toned metal, likely brass or bronze, given its patina and the wear characteristics. The inscriptions and overall craftsmanship suggest it was produced with a level of care typical of workshop pieces made for collectors or for private devotional use. The presence of Arabic calligraphy, especially when centered on blessings or verses, was meant to bring baraka (divine blessing) into the home.

The bowl is in excellent condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or losses, and it appears to retain its full aesthetic impact. Its engraved surface and proportions are pleasing and balanced. While it may not be gold or silver, its weight (approximately 1 kg) and craftsmanship elevate it beyond utilitarian metalware. In the current market, decorative Islamic brass bowls of this type—especially if of good calligraphic quality—are sought by collectors of Islamic art, and can fetch a range depending on age, provenance, and script clarity.

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