Arts of the Islamic World and India

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 201. An Ottoman marble panel with the Tughra of Mahmud II, signed by Mustafa Rakim (1758-1826), Turkey, first half 19th century.

An Ottoman marble panel with the Tughra of Mahmud II, signed by Mustafa Rakim (1758-1826), Turkey, first half 19th century

VAT applies to buyers outside the UK

Auction Closed

April 24, 03:45 PM GMT

Estimate

8,000 - 12,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

of square shape, the surface covered with a layer of grey cement and sculpted in relief with the Ottoman imperial coat of arms consisting of projecting military weapons rising into curving stems and containing an oval insignia with a carved yellow painted tughra on a red background

55 by 57.7cm.

This lot should have an alpha symbol in the printed catalogue. If the purchase is to remain in the UK the item will be sold to you as if there was no VAT symbol, i.e. no VAT on the hammer price. If the purchase is to be exported outside the UK the item will be sold to you as if there was a dagger in the catalogue, although, subject to proof of export, no VAT will be charged on the hammer price unless you are VAT registered in the UK. Please refer to the printed catalogue for further VAT information.

Mustafa Rakim was born in Ünye in 1758 and moved to Istanbul at a young age to live with his elder brother, who taught him the art of calligraphy. Recognised as both a calligrapher and a painter, he gained favour with Sultan Selim III who admired his work and invited him to draw his portrait during an audience. Mustafa Rakim held various prestigious positions, including those of professor and judge, and taught calligraphy to Sultan Mahmud II after he acceded the throne. He is remembered for his innovations in writing jali thuluth script and tughras, and left behind numerous calligraphic works, including inscriptions for monuments and mosques with some of his stencils now housed in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Istanbul (U. Derman 1998, p.98-99).