- 134
An impressive cuerda seca tile panel signed by the Master Jafar of Qumm, Persia, 19th century
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- ceramics
comprising seventy-seven tiles, decorated in the cuerda seca technique with yellow, cobalt blue, turquoise, ochre, light green and white against a dark purple ground with black outlines, with spurious date 824 AH/1421-2 AD
Provenance
Sold in these rooms, 12 April 1976, lot 186A
Condition
Each in general good condition with some abrasion to the edges and few small chips, some pitting, 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
[made] by the order of Timur in 824 AH (1421 AD)
The work of the Master Jafar of Qumm
This inscription gives the spurious date of 824 AH (1421 AD), associating itself with the great founder of the Timurid Dynasty, Timur or Tamerlane, who reigned from 1370 until his death in 1405. Timur was a great patron of the arts and the architectural works initiated by him influenced a number of subsequent dynasties from the region. This magnificent archaistic tile panel is inspired by Timurid work and presents an outstanding example of the visual impact of the cuerda seca technique when used on a grand scale.
Cuerda seca, or "dry cord", is used to describe a glazing technique by which various sections of decoration on a ceramic are isolated by a line of oily manganese dioxide powder. After firing, these dividing lines appear as dark and lustreless, but allow for the different colours to be pure and bright (Hattstein and Delius 2000, p.622). The flower represents one of the central motifs on this panel, and holds many symbolical connotations, notably those of the earthly and celestial gardens, or the Garden of Paradise (Baer 1998, p.93).
This tile panel, which probably once formed part of an internal courtyard or architectural feature, provides us with a glimpse into the richness of the cuerda seca technique when used on a monumental scale with fitting decorative motifs.
[made] by the order of Timur in 824 AH (1421 AD)
The work of the Master Jafar of Qumm
This inscription gives the spurious date of 824 AH (1421 AD), associating itself with the great founder of the Timurid Dynasty, Timur or Tamerlane, who reigned from 1370 until his death in 1405. Timur was a great patron of the arts and the architectural works initiated by him influenced a number of subsequent dynasties from the region. This magnificent archaistic tile panel is inspired by Timurid work and presents an outstanding example of the visual impact of the cuerda seca technique when used on a grand scale.
Cuerda seca, or "dry cord", is used to describe a glazing technique by which various sections of decoration on a ceramic are isolated by a line of oily manganese dioxide powder. After firing, these dividing lines appear as dark and lustreless, but allow for the different colours to be pure and bright (Hattstein and Delius 2000, p.622). The flower represents one of the central motifs on this panel, and holds many symbolical connotations, notably those of the earthly and celestial gardens, or the Garden of Paradise (Baer 1998, p.93).
This tile panel, which probably once formed part of an internal courtyard or architectural feature, provides us with a glimpse into the richness of the cuerda seca technique when used on a monumental scale with fitting decorative motifs.