Metalware - Copper, Bronze & Brass

The working of copper began about 10,000 BC with the beating of small nuggets of copper, picked up from the ground, into use and decorative objects. Around 3,500 BC the process of producing copper from ores by smelting (initially in pottery kilns) was discovered and resulted in a great increase in the amount of copper available.

Copper is easy to hammer into shape but difficult to cast. As a result, it is most commonly used in sheet form with seamed joints where necessary. Because it is a excellent conductor of heat, the most common copper items were hearthware, such as kettles and wort pans (used for brewing).

 Chinese bronze mirror (2nd or 3rd century AD)

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Oriental - Islamic - Copper, Silver & Bronze

From 1037 to 1194, the Seljuks united Mesopotamia and most of Persia under their rule. During this period, the technique of decorating bronze vessels with inlaid silver or copper, or both, was developed in eastern Persia. From here the technique spread to Mosul (now Al Mawsil in northern Iraq) with which it became particularly associated. Syrian brass globe with silver inlay (about 1270)

Egyptian brass bowl with silver and gold inlay (15th century) In the thirteenth century, work of the Mosul type was done in Aleppo and Damascus in Syria. Ewers and other vessels were produced but the most common articles produced were broad based candlesticks for mosques. On the finest items, gold decoration was used rather copper.

From Syria, the technique spread to Egypt and, eventually, throughout Moslem North Africa.
 

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