Ca. 1200 AD. A beautiful tray hammered from a thin sheet of bronze into a rectangular shape with a shallow basin and broad lateral panels with a pronounced edge. The interior of the basin is adorned with elaborate and intricate decoration. A central roundel featuring three playful hares serves as the focal point of the design, surrounded by calligraphic panels, floral motifs, and depictions of birds. The hares in the central roundel may symbolize various meanings, such as fertility, rebirth, or abundance, reflecting the importance of nature in the Seljuk worldview. The calligraphic panels around the roundel feature blessings, adding a spiritual element to the design and reflecting the Islamic cultural values of the time. Bronze trays such as this one were often used for serving food or as decorative display pieces, with their ornate designs and calligraphic inscriptions serving as expressions of wealth, status, and cultural identity.Size: L:185mm / W:285mm ; 315gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.