ca. 1100 AD. Seljuk. A rare bronze situla with a scalloped handle, short, bulging neck, out-flared body and rounded base. The exterior bears an engraved calligraphic frieze below which sits a rondel featuring a (female?) figure and a horizontal corded band. This beautiful item may have been used for serving wine during banquets. 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:177mm / W:185mm ; 1.66kg; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.