Antique Brass Brazier with Engraved Calligraphy, Ca. 1900

A large rectangular footed brass vessel, Middle Eastern or North African in origin, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The body is formed from a copper base plate within a brass surround, riveted throughout, and raised on four separately cast bracket legs. Each exterior face carries a dense band of hand-engraved cursive script, framed above and below by beaded rules and foliate borders — the same calligraphic treatment continues onto the leg faces. A pair of scrollwork brass handles pivot from the short ends. The interior retains its original sliding brass divider rails. The composite construction and quality of engraving are consistent with Syrian or Egyptian workshop production of this period.

[d]Type | Footed rectangular brass vessel
[d]Material | Brass over copper; cast brass legs and handles
[d]Decoration | Hand-engraved cursive script, continuous frieze; foliate and geometric borders; calligraphic panels on legs
[d]Interior | Sliding brass divider rails, original
[d]Handles | Paired scrollwork brass, pivot-mounted, original
[d]Construction | Riveted brass-over-copper body; separately cast and attached legs
[d]Origin | Middle East or North Africa, probably Syria or Egypt
[d]Period | Late 19th to early 20th century, ca. 1880–1920
[d]Dimensions | 9.25" H × 26" W × 16" D [confirm on arrival]
[d]Condition | See condition note

Honest antique condition throughout, not polished or restored. The brass exterior has developed an uneven amber-to-brown patina with verdigris accumulation in the engraved channels, consistent with age. The copper underside shows oxidized swirl markings and surface scratching. One leg corner shows white chalky material at the joint — inspect on arrival to determine whether this is mineral deposit or a historic repair, and disclose accordingly. One leg mounting bolt appears absent from its socket on the underside — confirm structural stability before shipping. Interior divider rails present and functional. No cracks, splits, or active corrosion observed.