Ming Dynasty, Late 16th Century

明銅阿拉伯文桶爐陽文「正德年製」篆文方印

Hight 10-Cm Diameter 12.5-Cm

Heavily cast, the cylindrical vessel supported on three short curving feet, the exterior with four Islamic inscriptions in “Qur’anic” script within shaped and round body cartouches, the base cast with an impressed four-character

The overall condition is good, with only slight wear and tear as seen.
整體品相良好，惟見輕微磨損，屬正常。
The inscriptions appear to read:
The term “La ilaha illallah” means “there’s no God but God”. The world Allah derives from “Al-Ilah” which literally means “The God”. Muhammadur rasulullah, “There is no deity but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God.

Wares produced with decorative inscriptions derived from Arabic script were particularly popular during the Zhengde reign, as can be seen with various porcelain and bronze vessels of the period. This demand was probably influenced by the large body of influential Muslim advisors, eunuchs and envoys that served in the Imperial court. Ming Dynasty Islamic-inspired vessels, such as the present lot, were however made principally for export to the Islamic market.

Monaco (Private Collections) and thence by descent

Comes with a certificate from the Art Loss Register