A fine Pair of Qajar polychrome painted doors with scenes from the Khamsa of Nizami, attributable to the Imami workshop, Isfahan or Tehran, Persia, late 19th century

each door of rectangular form with inset panels, constructed of wood applied with gesso painted with large shaped oblong cartouches with scenes of courtiers playing chess and backgammon and musicians and courtiers reciting poetry and carousing in the panels above and below, the borders with further narrative and courtly scenes identified by inscription panels

overall in excellent condition, 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."

inscriptions

The inscriptions are descriptions of episodes from Nizami's Layla and Majnun, Khusraw and Shirin and Haft Paykar and an inscription saying they were made by the order of the Safavid king Shah 'Abbas.

A comparable pair of doors is in the Khalili Collection (Khalili et al, Lacquer from Islamic Lands, vol.2, no.320, pp.112 and 115-6), and another sold in these rooms, 11 October 2006, lot 58.