Fer de hache de Derwiche daté, Iran, art zand, période de Lotf'ali Khan 1793-4

en acier à décor gravé et damasquiné à l'or, orné de plusieurs inscriptions dans des médaillons et des cartouches, celle de la tranche donnant une dédicace au douzième Imâm Shiite et une date

Usual wear to the gilt mainly on the borders decoration and on the edge
"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."

Inscription: "Sâhibuhu Muhammed al-Mehdi, 1210H./1793-4", the other inscriptions refer to Derwishes and Sufi poetry.

This axe-head was dedicated to an important Imam Shiite, the twelfth: Muhammed al-Mehdi, and was probably endowed to a Shrine of a Sufi. The decoration on ours is typical of the late Safavid and Zand periods. Two other axe-heads with similar motifs were sold in London, see: Sotheby's, Arts of the Islamic World, 15^th October 2003, lot 81. And Christie's, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 13^th April 2010, lot 97.