Copper plate with silver plating on the obverse. Design features vegetal patterns, abstract geometry, calligraphy, and a fox hunting birds motif, all surrounding what may either be a stylized "Allah" calligram or the Aries Zodiac sign. Around the four-point compass are concentric circles featuring 31 identical points and 12 alternating medallions and negative space patterns, respectively. The plate weighs about 15 pounds and is solid copper. The silver plating has a yellow patina.
Dimensions
24" x 24" x 2"
Acquired From:
Secondhand Store
Hello Michael, This item is a Persian copper plate likely dating back to the 19th century, a magnificent artifact that encapsulates the intricate artistry and cultural richness of Persian craftsmanship. The plate's surface bears a subtle patina, adding a sense of age and authenticity that enhances its aesthetic appeal. The design elements are a masterful blend of vegetal patterns, abstract geometry, and calligraphic inscriptions, meticulously engraved or embossed onto the copper surface with remarkable precision and attention to detail. Notably, a central motif depicts a fox hunting birds, a vivid tableau that captures the dynamic interplay between predator and prey, symbolizing themes of nature, survival, and the eternal cycle of life. The craftsmanship evident in this Persian copper plate transcends its utilitarian function to become a captivating canvas of cultural expression and artistic mastery. The vegetal patterns and abstract geometric designs, rendered with intricate finesse, reflect the region's rich artistic traditions and the enduring influence of nature on Persian aesthetics. The calligraphic inscriptions, possibly verses from classical poetry or religious texts, add a layer of depth and spiritual resonance, underscoring the plate's role as a vessel of cultural heritage and symbolic meaning. As a historical artifact, this 19th-century Persian copper plate serves as a tangible link to a bygone era, preserving the artistic, cultural, and historical nuances of Persian craftsmanship while captivating viewers with its intricate design, thematic richness, and timeless allure.
