Modern Middle Eastern Aluminum or Food-Grade Metal Vessel
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Cup) · The mark contains Arabic script commonly associated with household metalware manufacturers in the Levant or MENA region. The central rectangle contains the brand name 'Al-Kindi' or similar phonetic variation, a known producer of kitchenware.
Pattern: Standard Industrial Utilitarian; no specific decorative collection pattern is present.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Cup)
Maker
The mark contains Arabic script commonly associated with household metalware manufacturers in the Levant or MENA region. The central rectangle contains the brand name 'Al-Kindi' or similar phonetic variation, a known producer of kitchenware.
Material
Spun Aluminum or Tin-plated Metal. The item is not sterling silver. The duller grey luster, concentric surface scratches, and lack of tarnish (sulfide) indicate aluminum or a non-precious food-grade alloy.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-15cm in diameter; estimated weight is light (under 200g), consistent with aluminum construction rather than dense silver.
Description
This is a utilitarian metal vessel, categorized as industrial hollowware. While the user may hope for silver, the material is clearly a non-precious metal, specifically aluminum, given its grey-blue cast and scratch patterns. The Arabic stamping is a hallmark of commercial grade kitchenware meant for daily use in Middle Eastern domestic settings.
Key Features
Large circular Arabic manufacturer's stamp; lightweight aluminum construction; machine-spun formation lines; number '5' size indicator.
Material & Composition
Spun Aluminum or Tin-plated Metal. The item is not sterling silver. The duller grey luster, concentric surface scratches, and lack of tarnish (sulfide) indicate aluminum or a non-precious food-grade alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Industrial finish with heavy surface abrasions. The decoration is limited to a circular recessed manufacturer's stamp on the base. It shows evidence of machine spinning (horizontal lines).
Hallmarks & Stamps
A circular relief stamp with Arabic text. The top features a logo of a standing animal (likely a horse or bull), followed by the brand name in a rectangle. Below is the numeral '5' in a circle, likely indicating size or capacity in liters or centimeters.
Construction Details
Machine-spun and die-stamped. The concentric circles on the base indicate the item was formed on a lathe-like spinning machine rather than being hand-raised.
Functional Features
Stackable industrial design, heat resistant for kitchen use, and easy to clean. Likely intended as a mixing bowl, serving bowl, or kitchen prep dish.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles are visible in this view; the design appears to be a simple footless bowl or deep plate.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced. The quality is found in its durability and uniform machine-stamping, which differs from the hand-chased artistry found in antique silver or copper items.
Authentication Indicators
Absence of silver hallmarks (like the Egyptian cat or lotus, or Iraqi/Syrian purity marks). The stamp is a commercial trade mark, not a precious metal assay mark. The metal color does not exhibit the warmth of silver or the yellow of silver-plate base metals.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Syria, Jordan, or Egypt. These regions have a long-standing tradition of 'Souq' metalware production that pivoted from copper/silver to aluminum in the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Late 20th Century. This represents a modern industrial era of mass-produced aluminum kitchenware used widely in the Arab world.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2020. The clarity of the stamp and the type of wear suggest a modern utilitarian item still frequently used in households.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in Middle Eastern material culture from craft-guild silver/copper work to the modern industrialization of daily household objects.
Condition Notes
Good/Fair. Significant surface scratching and 'pitting' consistent with years of utensil use and scouring. No structural dents are visible, but the finish is heavily dulled from use.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $10.00 USD. This is a functional kitchen object with no significant scrap or antique value.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with warm soapy water. Avoid acidic foods if the item is low-grade aluminum, as it can cause pitting. Unlike silver, it will not tarnish and does not require silver polish.
Similar Pieces
Classic 'Aladdin' or 'Al-Afrah' brand aluminum bowls. These are often mistaken for silver due to their bright appearance when new but lack any precious metal content.
Interesting Facts
Aluminum rose to prominence in Middle Eastern kitchens in the 20th century, replacing traditional tinned copper because it was cheaper, lighter, and did not require frequent 're-tinning' (mabyadh).