- 133
A lion-form mace head, Khurasan, 11th-12th century
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- metal
in the form of a stylised lion-head emerging from a scaled neck, with a pommel composed of two bulbous globes, with an eagle coming out from his mane and a quadruped at the top of its head
Condition
In general good condition, some rubbing and weathering to surface consistent with age, fixed on mount, 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
The stylised facial characteristics on this lion, with round open spaces in his eyes and ears which once would have been filled with colourful stones, are similar to those seen on Seljuk incense burners from Khorasan. A notable example is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, signed and dated around 1181/2 AD, and found in Khorasan (inv. no.51.56).
A similar mace head also from the Ghaznavid period, and attributed to Persia or Afghanistan, is now in the Furusiyya Art Foundation Collection, inv. no. R-713 (illustrated in: Mohamed 2007, p.244, no.229).
A similar mace head also from the Ghaznavid period, and attributed to Persia or Afghanistan, is now in the Furusiyya Art Foundation Collection, inv. no. R-713 (illustrated in: Mohamed 2007, p.244, no.229).