Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a hand-chased and engraved brass-over-copper or tinned decorative charger featuring intricate Islamic calligraphy, scrolling arabesques, and scalloped rims. The underside bears an authentic hand-engraved owner's or maker's cartouche clearly incorporating an Islamic Hijri date, '١٢٧٢' (1272 AH), translating to roughly 1855–1856 in the Gregorian calendar.
Story
In 1855, amid the sweeping modernization of the Ottoman world, a metalsmith hand-chiseled this dish with bold Arabic calligraphic panels and stamped the Islamic year 1272 into its base.
Maker / Origin
Crafted by an artisan in an urban Ottoman copper bazaar—perhaps in Istanbul, Damascus, or Cairo—where metalworkers belonged to strict historic guilds (esnaf). These coppersmiths blended secular prestige with pious blessings, crafting bespoke tableware for affluent households.
Condition & Value
Very good antique condition with age-appropriate rubbing to the tinned surface on the back and minor surface patina. The attached hanging loop on the reverse was added later for wall display. Excellent preservation of the chasing detail.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.