The Camouflage of Royal Garden

This copper ceremonial tray is a commanding work of imperial artistry, its surface dominated by a bold Ottoman tughra, the calligraphic emblem of sovereignty. Drawn in sweeping verticals and curves, the tughra anchors the tray as a proclamation of divine legitimacy and royal power. Around it unfurls a dense tapestry of arabesques, where vines and blossoms coil in endless rhythm, embodying creation’s eternal order.

Calligraphic Inscriptions
Along the rim, almond-shaped cartouches carry flowing Ayyubid-style inscriptions of praise:

Arabic:
“العز لمولانا السلطان الملك”

Transliteration:
al-ʿizz li-mawlānā al-sulṭān al-malik.

Translation:
“Glory to our lord, the Sultan, the King.”

These are interspersed with motifs resembling shields and leaves, binding text with ornament in balance.

Artistic Details

• Central Tughra: The imperial emblem dominates the center, a seal of sovereignty uniting script and symbol.
• Lion Symbol: Hidden within the vegetal maze, a lion is engraved with muscular detail, an emblem of majesty, courage, and guardianship.
• Fox Motif: A fox, smaller and subtle, symbolizes cunning and earthly balance, complementing the lion’s regal presence.
• Avian Figures: Along the tray’s edge, birds in flight are scattered, their motion suggesting freedom, life, and the soul’s ascent.
• Arabesque Tapestry: Endless vines and blossoms weave across the field, symbolizing growth, eternity, and divine order.
• Cartouche Rim: The rim is structured with repeating cartouches inscribed with calligraphy, alternating with stylized foliate and shield motifs.
• Outer Band: Flowing arabesque scrolls encircle the composition, completing the design as a continuous cycle of ornament and blessing.

Interpretation
This tray is not merely functional but ceremonial and symbolic. The central tughra proclaims sovereignty; the lion embodies guardianship and majesty; the fox brings earthly wisdom; and the birds symbolize freedom and spiritual vitality. Bound together by arabesques and inscriptions, the tray becomes a visual manifesto of power, protection, and divine order in Ayyubid–Ottoman style.

Calligraphy: Ayyubid style, with tughra centerpiece
Material: Copper, hand-engraved
Weight: 1.15 kg
Diameter (Height): 35 cm