L13220

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Lot 150
  • 150

A LATE TIMURID MOSAIC TILE PANEL, PERSIA OR CENTRAL ASIA, 15th CENTURY

Estimate
15,000 - 18,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • ceramic in wooden frame
of rectangular form, composed of polychrome fritware including white, turquoise, cobalt blue, green, ochre, yellow and black, assembled as a mosaic tile panel encased in a wooden frame, featuring a green vase set against a cobalt blue background from which a series of turquoise arabesques emanate with a variety of flower heads and golden leaves, the base of the vase is supported by a vegetal basket, appearing within a cusped arch with white arabesques, edged with a triple border of white, dark blue and turquoise rectangular tiles

Condition

In fairly good condition, break through center and right hand corner with associated restoration, including some infill, few missing or replaced tesserae pieces, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This magnificent tile panel is a fine example of faience mosaic technique which reached its height under Timurid patronage. The technique involves fitting small pieces of ceramic tiles together which are then held in place by mortar. This gave craftsmen greater flexibility as their designs could be composed over an indefinite area. The piece encompasses sinuous designs with confident use of colour combinations ranging from deep greens, blues and blacks to vivid turquoise and daffodil yellows. The highly decorative green vase from which the flowers emerge appears to have both an ornamental and symbolic function; “In Timurid art, flowerpots seem to have been charged with notions of the hereafter and (..) expressed blessings for the life to come.” (Baer, 1998 p. 95-96) The decorative lotus lappet band which resembles the outline of a kashkul or vegetal basket suggests a Chinese influence toward the overall design.

The Friday Mosque in Kerman, Iran, dated 1349, is decorated with similar motifs including supported vases with blossoming flowers. The entrance pishtaq shows a pair of peacocks flanking a vase from which similar blooms emerge. The Masjed-e-Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran also presents similar, although less ornate tile panels from the sixteenth century. The Musée du Louvre also houses a similar panel with a central vase supported by a vegetal basket with floral sprays (inv. no. MAO 1189).