Ca. 1100-1200 AD. A bronze strainer ladle with its form both elegant and practical. It features a round bowl with a densely pierced base, allowing for the efficient straining of liquids or other substances. The flat-section handle of the ladle is equally impressive, with decorative roundels that add to its overall aesthetic appeal. One roundel is located close to the joining point with the bowl, while the other sits at the top. The handle terminates in a coiled finial, which allows for easy hanging and storage of the ladle when not in use. Strainer ladles like this one were widely used for a variety of culinary and household tasks. They were often used for straining liquids, such as broths or soups, and for separating solid ingredients from liquids. Strainer ladles were also used for serving food, such as fruits or vegetables, and were seen as a symbol of hospitality and generosity.Size: L:410mm / W:110mm ; 380gProvenance: Property of a London Islamic art specialist collector; previously in a collection formed since the 1980s.