- 198
A monumental pierced steel 'alam, Persia or Deccan, 17th century
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- steel
comprising two drop-form sections fitted together with a quarter-lobed finial, featuring a tall, fitted terminal above, the openwork design comprising elegant cursive calligraphy against a ground of foliated scrollwork bordered by a band of palmettes, within a ridged frame featuring stylised dragon-head terminals in between palmettes, mounted on customised metal stand
Condition
Overall in generally good condition, some of terminals missing and some with breaks, the surface weathered as consistent with age with some corrosion appearing, notably on long finial, 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
Qur’an, chapters CXII (al-ikhlas) and LXVIII (al-qalam), part of verse 50.
During the Safavid era, standards of impressive size such as the present example were used as powerful religious and military symbols to be carried through important processions. The combination of dragon-heads which stick out along the sides with religious inscriptions incorporated into the openwork design is a common feature of seventeenth century Persian standards. A particularly close example, in which a multitude of dragon-heads run along the edges, is in the Aga Khan Museum (inv.no. AKM00620) and attributed, as the present 'alam, either to Safavid Persia or to one of the Shi'a Kingdoms of the Deccan, which retained close ties to Safavid Persia. Another steel 'alam of similar style and design is in the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv.no.32/2001).
Qur’an, chapters CXII (al-ikhlas) and LXVIII (al-qalam), part of verse 50.
During the Safavid era, standards of impressive size such as the present example were used as powerful religious and military symbols to be carried through important processions. The combination of dragon-heads which stick out along the sides with religious inscriptions incorporated into the openwork design is a common feature of seventeenth century Persian standards. A particularly close example, in which a multitude of dragon-heads run along the edges, is in the Aga Khan Museum (inv.no. AKM00620) and attributed, as the present 'alam, either to Safavid Persia or to one of the Shi'a Kingdoms of the Deccan, which retained close ties to Safavid Persia. Another steel 'alam of similar style and design is in the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv.no.32/2001).