ca. 1100 AD. Seljuk. Circular bronze plate with broad lip and wide, flat base. The plate is covered with engraved decoration picked out in silver inlay: the central rondel contains a bird surrounded by a corded border, which is enclosed by a register filled with geometric and floral motifs; the lip of the plate features extensive calligraphic motifs. The Seljuks were a Turkic dynasty who swept out of Central Asia in the early 10th century and conquered an enormous expanse, covering most or all of present-day Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and beyond. After inflicting crushing military defeats on a host of rivals, the most famous of which was perhaps that against the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the Seljuk sultans became major patrons of art and architecture. Excellent condition; beautiful patina; on a custom stand.Size: L:23mm / W:224mm; ; 275g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.