The Zengid dynasty (reigned AD 1127-1251) was of Turkish origin. They began as regents (atabegs) of the Seljuks in the Jazira (northern Iraq) and Syria. As the Seljuk empire weakened, the atabegs grew in power and claimed the regions they governed as their own.

Under Zengid rule an influential type of inlaid metalwork was developed. There was a serious shortage of silver in the Islamic world in the 11th century, caused by Viking traders in Russia who hoarded the Islamic silver coins with which they were paid. This meant that less valuable metals such as brass were therefore used to make everyday utensils. Their value was greatly enhanced by the practice of inlay – hammering strips of precious metals into the surface.

The Zengid capital Mosul, a prosperous city on the banks of the River Tigris in north Iraq, was the most important centre for the new inlay technique. The Zengid ruler, Badr al-Din Lulu (reigned 1210-59), brought stability to the city and actively supported the inlaid metalwork industry in his capital. Many vessels bearing his name and titles survive. The metalwork products of Mosul were exported and given as gifts to princes and foreigners. The demand for inlaid brass led Mosul metalworkers to set up workshops abroad, and the technique and Mosul style of decoration soon spread to Syria, Egypt, west Iran and Anatolia.