Antique early Islamic bronze mirror, Eastern Anatolia, 12-13 c CE Antique early Islamic bronze mirror with 2 symmetrical sphinxes and inscriptions around Weight: 8 oz. = 220 g; Diameter: 4.25 inches = 10.6 cm = 106 mm; Knob: 7 mm with hole, open all the way through; Provenance: Ex Gibbons collection by inheritance in UK; acquired before 1990; Condition: old natural patina all over; Language: Kufic language; References: http://www.antiques.com/classified/1065041/Antique-Seljuk-Bronze-Mirror---FZ-289; $6,000; Seljuk Bronze Mirror - FZ.289, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 4.375" (11.1cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Seljuk, Medium: Bronze. In the 9th century, hordes of nomadic Turkic horseman living on the outskirts of the Muslim world began to migrate westward into the heart of Central Asia. By the 10 century, a branch known as the House of Seljuk had broken off from the Oghuz confederation of Turkomen tribesmen, arrived into mainland Persia, and settled in the province of Khurasan. Overtime, the Seljuks converted to Islam and began to adopt the Persian language and culture. In the 11th century, the Seljuks set up an independent state under their leader Tugrul Bey with its capital in Isfahan, initially under the auspices of the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad. The arts thrived during the Seljuk period as the Turkic rulers patronized Persian culture, arts, and literature.

old natural patina and some wear all over; no defects.