Sotheby's Studies: The Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp

Auction Highlights

Arts of the Islamic World and India - Auction Highlights

Discover how the calligrapher strives for maximum visual impact in this rare Mamluk genealogical scroll, by introducing the text with a series of calligraphic compositions, spectacular in their variety and scale.

An Important Mamluk Genealogical Scroll

Painterly Treasures of the Indian Courts

A Group of Indian Miniatures from a Prestigious Private European Collection

Our Experts’ Favourites

Except for thy haven, there is no refuge for me in this world; Other than here, there is no place for my head; The ‘Ardabil’ carpet in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London is arguably the most famous carpet in the world, and when purchased by the museum in 1893 was believed to be unique. In the years following its purchase however, it became apparent that another similar carpet from the reign of Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524-1577) had survived, now in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, gifted by J. P. Getty to the museum in 1953 (Inv. No. 53.50.2). The story of the ‘Ardabil’ carpets, and the small number of known fragments, gives us a fascinating insight into the worlds of dealing and collecting in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Woven Wonder: The Afia ‘Ardabil’ Carpet Fragment 

Woven wonder: The Afia ‘Ardabil’ Carpet Border Cartouche Fragment, Northwest or Central Persia 

London

Chairman | Middle East and India

Edward Gibbs

Senior Director | Head of Department, Islamic & Indian Art

Benedict Carter

Specialist

Rukmani Kumari Rathore

Specialist Islamic and Indian Art | Rugs & Carpets

Frankie Keyworth

Project Coordinator, Department Assistant & Researcher

Louise Lebrun

Senior Consultant

Jacqueline Coulter

Meet our Specialists

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This spring auction brings forth an outstanding folio from Shah Tahmasp’s Shahnameh, universally recognized as the supreme Persian work of art. Other highlights include two splendid royal Indian swords and exceptional manuscripts, including an important Mamluk genealogical scroll and a monumental Kufic Qur’an leaf. From the Indian world, the auction boasts an important group of miniatures from a prestigious private European collection and exquisite jewels from the property of a lady. Both attest to the vast wealth and taste of the Indian courts.

Arts of the Islamic World and India, including Fine Rugs and Carpets