- 103
A rare silk lampas robe, Sogdiana, Central Asia, 7th/8th century
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description
- silk
the robe of characteristic form with long sleeves and open front attached to the side, woven with fine honey coloured and dark brown silk threads, decorated with large medallions containing two confronted dragons, between scrolling leafy vines issuing palmettes, mounted on a later silk lining
Condition
the robe mounted on a silk lining, some loose threads and tears with some associated consolidation, discoloration to robe consistent with age and use, 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 delicacy of its silk, combined with the complexity of its design, marks out the present robe as an extremely fine example of Sogdian silk production. It can be paralleled with examples of the magnificent silk textiles of the T’ang dynasty in China (618-907), under which emerged a wealthy cosmopolitan society driven by economic and cultural expansion. Sogdiana, which was located along the main trade routes between China, Byzantium and Persia, developed greatly as a result of this growth.
Decorated with large medallions containing two sinuous dragons in a bilaterally symmetrical design framed by borders containing roundels, offset by vegetal motifs, the present robe strongly demonstrates the Chinese influence on Sogdian design. A silk brocade, attributed to the T’ang dynasty, eighth century, now in the Shoso-in in Japan, has a very similar iconographic composition, indicative of the exchange between these great civilizations as early as the seventh century (illustrated in: Hayashi 1975, pp.24-25, no.13).
Decorated with large medallions containing two sinuous dragons in a bilaterally symmetrical design framed by borders containing roundels, offset by vegetal motifs, the present robe strongly demonstrates the Chinese influence on Sogdian design. A silk brocade, attributed to the T’ang dynasty, eighth century, now in the Shoso-in in Japan, has a very similar iconographic composition, indicative of the exchange between these great civilizations as early as the seventh century (illustrated in: Hayashi 1975, pp.24-25, no.13).