A golden, rounded bowl with a flat lid. Highly detailed engraving covers the entire bowl in traditional Islamic patterns.
Box, Mahmud al-Kurdi (Master Mahmud the Kurd), Northwest Iran or Turkey, Late 15th century, Hammered brass, chased and inlaid with silver, The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust) © The Courtauld

Box

Mahmud al-Kurdi (Master Mahmud the Kurd), Northwest Iran or Turkey, Late 15th century

This is the most important work by the metalworker known as Master Mahmud. On the rim of this intricately patterned box is a signature in both Arabic and Roman script. The latter is a transliteration of the Arabic inscription, and states that the box is the ‘work of the master Mahmud’. This identifies the maker to a buyer who may have understood but not read Arabic.

Lid detail of the Mahmud al-Kurdi box from above. Detailed engraving, with circular patterns and traditional Islamic detailing, is visible, all engraved in gold.
Lid of box, Mahmud al-Kurdi (Master Mahmud the Kurd), Northwest Iran or Turkey, Late 15th century

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Two men sit across from each other at a table covered with a brown tablecloth, playing cards. Both men wear overcoats and hats, and the man on the left smokes a pipe. They sit inside a wooden building.
Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) The Card Players, around 1892-96, The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

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