Title: A Fine Tasht (Wash Basin)

Region: Punjab, possibly Lahore (Northern India / present-day Pakistan)

Period/Style: Mughal / Indo-Islamic

Date: 19th century

Medium: Brass with black lac-filled incised decoration

Dimensions: 11 7/8 inches diameter (30.2 cm)

Presented: Loose – unmounted and unpolished

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Description:

A finely worked Indo-Islamic brass basin (tasht or sailābachi), likely produced in the Punjab region, possibly Lahore, during the 19th century and retaining strong Mughal decorative influence. The interior is richly ornamented with dense scrolling foliate decoration executed in finely incised low relief and filled with black lac, creating a striking visual contrast against the warm brass ground.

The composition is exceptionally intricate, formed from tightly interwoven vegetal and floral motifs arranged in continuous rhythmic patterns across nearly the entire interior surface. The dense arrangement allows for minimal negative space, emphasizing the luxuriant overall decorative field rather than isolated elements. Particularly appealing is the subtle visual effect produced by the closely grouped lac-filled linear work, which gives portions of the ground an almost textile-like appearance.

The basin is further framed by carefully organized concentric border bands beneath the rim, including repeating floral motifs and finely hatched lac-filled ornament. The exterior remains plain and elegantly restrained, providing a compelling contrast to the highly worked interior.

Basins of this type traditionally accompanied matching ewers (aftabas) and formed part of ceremonial and domestic handwashing sets used throughout the Islamic world and Mughal India before meals and ritual ablutions. Lahore and the broader Punjab region became especially renowned during the Mughal and Colonial periods for the production of sophisticated brassware featuring elaborate incised and lac-filled decoration of this kind.

The surface retains an attractive aged butterscotch patina developed naturally through age and handling. An especially decorative and visually refined example of Indo-Persian metalwork with strong display presence.

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Condition:

Presents well overall with age-appropriate wear, rubbing, oxidation, and scattered areas of staining consistent with age and use. No major structural issues observed. A handsome authentic example with finely preserved decorative work and strong overall visual appeal.

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Provenance:

Acquired in the USA through the art trade.

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Note:

Attribution and dating are based on stylistic analysis and comparison with related works; offered as informed opinion. Sold as is. Please review images carefully.