Large 30" Middle Eastern Arabic Tinned Copper Tray Signed

Oh, oops. Never mind my previous message.

 

Yep, with a little help from I NEED HELP.

 

@Jerry Elbert

I LIKE that stand.

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Welcome

 

Thank you Cowabunga.

 

You're welcome, Jerry - if you spend a lot of time here, that'll come in handy!

BTW: My handle is Scoutshouse!!

 

The first wide ring out from the center contains 8 sections of Arabic or Farsi calligraphy. The sections are probably verses from the Koran. The Imam translated mine without difficulty. If you want to compare my tray calligraphy to yours, you can find my thread on the subject by searching past threads.

 

Turkish brass table depicts what legend?

 

Yes that was one that the GMU prof figured out (Joseph.). The other one was all calligraphy, and the Imam was kind enough to do that one. BTW, y’all probably know this, but leave your shoes outside when you enter a mosque.

 

Spring, your tray looks is Syrian in style, culturally Arabic, which centers much more around the Koran and stylised motifs.
Although the shape, material, and technique of Jerry's tray are the same, it was made in a very different culture, Persian, not Arabic. The subject matter is Persian, not culturally Arab. Persian art is generally based on the rich Persian history, poetry, and old miniatures (paintings).

The central scene with musicians and a woman dancing, and a woman offering some wine to a man with both seated on a divan, is not to be found in the Koran. The subject is typical of Persian romantic poetry. It is probably taken from a classic miniature.

I agree, although Iranians also have these around the house. It is beautiifully made.

A Persian/Iranian early 20th century miniature:

 

If OP can’t find anyone who can interpret the calligraphy, he might want to post enlarged photos of each section here, maybe one of us will get it done. If OP posts enlarged photos of each little scene, someone will be able to interpret them. I think it is a story tray, but what’s the story? One scene includes a soldier with what looks like a late 19th C. Rifle, wonder how that fits?

 

That would be a historical scene, which is traditional in Iran. A late 19th c story? Something Qajar dynasty related?

I like your Moai kavakava, btw.

 

A bit on traycraft:

Typical processes: Acid etching, engraving/chasing/embossing, Cairoware.

How to tell quickly

1. Cairoware is obvious, Surface is multi-colored by addition of silver or tin, and copper.

2. Acid etched is usually the case when the tray back is perfectly flat and smooth. Front design has only two flat heights, deeper areas were exposed to etchant and removed by it; high areas are also flat and are where acid-resist (often liquid asphalt) was applied to prevent brass removal.

3. Engraving, chasing, embossing is usually the case when the back has the reverse of the front pattern showing through. Back isn’t flat, embossing has made portions of the design appear raised on the back. The engraving and chasing appear as lines, curves, etc. standing up from the back surface. Front surface shows cuts, dents, etc. that are 3-dimensional, as opposed to the 2-D look of acid-etched work.

Typical result of #3:

 

Here’s one of the very few brass trays with positive ID of the origin. Syrian dealer’s tag is still attached to back. This allows rough dating as well (is not an antique.)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/14-Vintage...058128?hash=item4439e49650:g:m1cAAOSwM1JazZox

 

Then there are some with interesting Shapes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ov...375788?hash=item3f8af6e46c:g:GdAAAOSwIJlZ~RT2

 

Due I guess to increasing labor costs everywhere, I’m starting to see trays that appear to be castings

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Roun...562237?hash=item1a78023cbd:g:1WMAAOSwEWNcXycO

 

Cairo ware is very much like Damascus ware, and it can be very difficult to tell the finer examples apart. The style originated in Damascus, but was also very popular in other parts of the Middle East and Arab-influenced Egypt. I blame the Mamelukes.

That one is Indo-Persian in style, though not in period. The oval shape could be an Anglo-Indian influence.

 

And then there is the modern American made middle east style pieces being made today............... http://www.moonmetalsmithing.com/

 

And the Delvoye Maserati :


And fire extinguisher:

 

Cairoware example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-An...791802?hash=item3407b7e5ba:g:YnYAAOSw52Jcokdq