- 335
A Safavid Pierced Steel Plaque, Persia, Isfahan, dated 1075 AH/1664 AD
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
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Description
- metal
the main panel in the form of a lobed ovoid cartouche, finely pierced with an elegant thuluth inscription amidst interlacing spiralling vines issuing leaves and flowerheads, the rectangular back-plate or mount with plain steel spandrels and rivets by which the plaque was originally fastened
Condition
the front surface has been cleaned but overall the plaque and mount are both in good condition with only minor repair, 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, chapter XLVIII (al-Fath), part of verse 4.
Signed and dated as: 'Kal (?) Musa Reza (Arabic transliteration Rida), the year 1075 AH/1664-5 AD'
The inscriptions are the work of a master calligrapher working in conjunction with a master steel-worker. Inscribed Qur'an verses were designed by the most talented scribes and were used to adorn the doors of important monuments and mausolea. The present example relates to at least two other pierced steel plaques of similar dimensions, also with shaped back-plates, one in a UK private collection (Melikian-Chirvani 2007, p.262-3) and another sold in these rooms, 1 April 2009, lot 111. The existence of the present dated example allows us to date the whole group to 1075 AH/1664 AD.