- 97
A brass-inlaid steel lock and key, Near East, 16th-18th century
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
the steel key with abstract decoration and stylised serpentine hook, the steel lock with Arabic inscriptions and bands of inlaid brass comprising a ring design
Condition
overall in good condition. the steel across the lock and key suffers from patination and indentation. the brass inlay on both the lock and key is slightly damaged in places. the inscriptions are still visible and the key is removable, 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
Qur'an, surah al-Fath (XLVIII), 1 and parts of 2.
The lock has a detachable locking piece or bolt, which is equipped with a set of barbed springs, common with Ka'ba locks and locks from Shi'a shrines in Iran. As the locking-piece is pushed into the main body of the lock, the barbs are pressed down allowing them to enter through a narrow hole. Once in place, the barbs open out preventing an extraction of the locking-piece. The key, which is placed in the other end, is designed to depress the barbs and push the locking-piece out of the main body (for further information see Stanley, T., 'Locks, padlocks and tools' in Science Tools and Magic, Part Two, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, London, 1997, pp. 356-359).
Qur'an, surah al-Fath (XLVIII), 1 and parts of 2.
The lock has a detachable locking piece or bolt, which is equipped with a set of barbed springs, common with Ka'ba locks and locks from Shi'a shrines in Iran. As the locking-piece is pushed into the main body of the lock, the barbs are pressed down allowing them to enter through a narrow hole. Once in place, the barbs open out preventing an extraction of the locking-piece. The key, which is placed in the other end, is designed to depress the barbs and push the locking-piece out of the main body (for further information see Stanley, T., 'Locks, padlocks and tools' in Science Tools and Magic, Part Two, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, London, 1997, pp. 356-359).