A Pair of Safavid Steel Bazubands, Persia, 17th/18th Century

in excellent condition, a patch of patination associated with age on the reverse of one.
"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
On the main pieces: The Basmala and Qur'an, surah al-Saff (LXI), parts of 13.

On the suspension rings: repetition of an invocation to Imam 'Ali.

Bazubands were worn around the upper arm for both decorative and talismanic purposes. It remains unclear precisely where their fashion in Iran originated, although it has been suggested, due to their appearance in paintings, that the Mughal court may have been a starting point. The Mughal prince Salim is shown wearing a pair of elegant bazubands in a painting circa 1600-1605 (see Robinson 1988, no.P16, col.pl.18), and so too is the Emperor Jahangir in a portrait dating to a similar time (see Lowry 1988, no.69).

As for their depiction in Iranian court life, they are commonly illustrated in Qajar paintings, including those of Fath 'Ali Shah, who wore elaborate gem-set bazubands with pearl cords (see lot 63 in this sale). Furthermore, bazubands are known to have been worn by wrestlers, particularly sets decorated with inscriptions calling upon 'Ali, himself considered a great wrestler in Shi'ite belief.

Further sets of bazubands, including a pair of almost identical shape to these but without decoration, can be found in the Tanavoli collection (see Allan & Gilmour 2000, pp.309-310).