- 190
Two Safavid cut steel arm bands, Persia, signed by 'Kamal al-Din and dated 1109 AH/1697-8 AD
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- steel
comprising two arm bands, each with a central lobed cartouche cut with an openwork design featuring an inscription amongst leafy scrolls, with cartouches attached to each side with an inscription and a palmette-form attachment loop to either end
Condition
In general good condition, some oxidisation and patination consistent with age, 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
1) The first half of the shahada (the larger piece) and invocations to God (on the two small pieces) as: ya fattah! ‘O The Opener of [all] Gates!’ and ya ma’bud!‘O The Worshipped!’
2) The second half of the shahada (the larger piece); an invocation to ‘Ali as: ya ‘ali! ‘O ‘Ali!’ and the name of the maker in nasta’liq (instead of Thulth in other pieces) as: ‘Kamal al-Din 1109 (1697-8)’
James Allan gives his full name as Kamal al-Din Mahmud ibn ‘Ali Riza Nazuk and records his works dated between 1107 (1695-6) and 1110 (1698-9) (Allan and Gilmour 2000, p.264).
The two attributes of God, 'The Opener' and 'The Worshipped', are not usually found together, raising the possiblity that two of the side-panels may have become detached and been wrongly reassembled, or that all the side-panels, including the panel bearing the name Kamal al-Din copied in nasta'liq, were made for different objects.
Such armbands were worn around the upper arm for both decorative and talismanic purposes. Their function and use in court life is illustrated in Qajar paintings, including portraits of Fath 'Ali Shah, who wore elaborate gem-set bazubands with pearl cords.
1) The first half of the shahada (the larger piece) and invocations to God (on the two small pieces) as: ya fattah! ‘O The Opener of [all] Gates!’ and ya ma’bud!‘O The Worshipped!’
2) The second half of the shahada (the larger piece); an invocation to ‘Ali as: ya ‘ali! ‘O ‘Ali!’ and the name of the maker in nasta’liq (instead of Thulth in other pieces) as: ‘Kamal al-Din 1109 (1697-8)’
James Allan gives his full name as Kamal al-Din Mahmud ibn ‘Ali Riza Nazuk and records his works dated between 1107 (1695-6) and 1110 (1698-9) (Allan and Gilmour 2000, p.264).
The two attributes of God, 'The Opener' and 'The Worshipped', are not usually found together, raising the possiblity that two of the side-panels may have become detached and been wrongly reassembled, or that all the side-panels, including the panel bearing the name Kamal al-Din copied in nasta'liq, were made for different objects.
Such armbands were worn around the upper arm for both decorative and talismanic purposes. Their function and use in court life is illustrated in Qajar paintings, including portraits of Fath 'Ali Shah, who wore elaborate gem-set bazubands with pearl cords.