- 137
A gilt-metal ankus in the form of an ibex and tiger, India, Mughal, 18th century
Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description
- gilt iron
the steel crescent-shaped blade emanating from a tiger and terminating in an ibex head with fine damascened decoration, the gilt handle with pierced and incised floral design
Condition
In general good condition, some rubbing and oxidisation to steel surface, one colourful stone from ibex's eye missing, 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 theme of animals in combat carries metaphorical connotations of power, victory and defeat. This motif is creatively and playfully represented on the present example which features a tiger from whose body emanates the blade that curves so that the ibex and tiger heads confront each other in seemingly locked combat, the intensity of which is palpable.
A similar axe, also attributed to the Mughal period in the eighteenth century, is in the Furusiyya Art Foundation (Mohamed 2007, p.272, no.262). This axe, which terminates with a gazelle head sculpted in the round, recalls Rajasthani workmanship of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (ibid).
A similar axe, also attributed to the Mughal period in the eighteenth century, is in the Furusiyya Art Foundation (Mohamed 2007, p.272, no.262). This axe, which terminates with a gazelle head sculpted in the round, recalls Rajasthani workmanship of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (ibid).