- 104
A lacquer mirror case, signed by Najaf 'Ali, Persia, Qajar, dated 1284 AH/1867-8 AD
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- papier mache, glass
- 23.6 by 15.2 by 1.7cm.
the lacquered papier-maché mirror case of rectangular form with hinged cover opening to reveal a mirror, decorated throughout with scenes of scholars at work, gold floral borders
Condition
In general good condition, few minor nicks, particularly to external edges, traces of adhesive on underside, some general wear as consistent with age and use, 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."
"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
inscriptions
Signed: ya shah-e najaf 1284 ‘O the King of Najaf [Imam ‘Ali] 1284 (1867-8 AD)’
On the back, on the book held by one of the seated figures: a part of nada ‘ali quatrain and repeat of ya ‘ali! ‘O ‘Ali!’
Najaf Ali, or Aqa Najaf as he is also known, was one of the foremost artists of the mid nineteenth century, and specialised in work on lacquer. He often signed himself 'Ya Shah Najaf', an honorific reference to the Imam Ali, who was buried in Najaf, Iraq. He is known for his depictions of portraits, animals, landscapes and copying from European prints. Not much is known about his life other than he was honoured with the title ‘Chief Painter’ (naqqash-bashi) by Nasir al-Din Shah.
For more on Najaf Ali, see Karimzadeh Tabrizi, The Lives & Art of Old Painters of Iran, vol. II, London, 1991, pp. 1368-81 (please note that this piece is dated ten years later than what the author recorded as Najaf Ali's latest work) and Khalili, Robinson and Stanley, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands, Part One, London, 1997, pp. 22-29.
Signed: ya shah-e najaf 1284 ‘O the King of Najaf [Imam ‘Ali] 1284 (1867-8 AD)’
On the back, on the book held by one of the seated figures: a part of nada ‘ali quatrain and repeat of ya ‘ali! ‘O ‘Ali!’
Najaf Ali, or Aqa Najaf as he is also known, was one of the foremost artists of the mid nineteenth century, and specialised in work on lacquer. He often signed himself 'Ya Shah Najaf', an honorific reference to the Imam Ali, who was buried in Najaf, Iraq. He is known for his depictions of portraits, animals, landscapes and copying from European prints. Not much is known about his life other than he was honoured with the title ‘Chief Painter’ (naqqash-bashi) by Nasir al-Din Shah.
For more on Najaf Ali, see Karimzadeh Tabrizi, The Lives & Art of Old Painters of Iran, vol. II, London, 1991, pp. 1368-81 (please note that this piece is dated ten years later than what the author recorded as Najaf Ali's latest work) and Khalili, Robinson and Stanley, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands, Part One, London, 1997, pp. 22-29.