Egyptian Mamluk Revival Thali - 02

This beautiful brass tray or platter from Egypt, is a fine example of Mamluk Revival art. Made using the techniques of repousse and engraving, it exhibits features of the Islamic style, with elaborate foliate interlace. Parts of the design have been highlighted with tin, giving them a silver colour.
The Mamluks ruled Egypt and Syria for three centuries, until the Ottoman conquest of 1517. It was a glorious period in history, when sultans commissioned lavish architectural projects, encouraged the creation of fine artworks, and turned Cairo into a prosperous cosmopolitan centre. From the middle of the 19th century, this past heritage became central to the artistic inspiration known as Mamluk revival. The rediscovery of an indigenous legacy was used to establish a nationalistic “Arab style”, where the Mamluk repertoire was perceived as the classical vocabulary. As original artefacts were collected, craftsmen used techniques such as inlaid metalwork or enamelled glass to make modern interpretations.