- 385
A Mughal silver-inlaid brass horse, India, 16th-17th century
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- silver-inlaid brass
the horse sculpted in stylised form, standing foursquare with incomplete rear legs, silver-inlaid eyes, designed head harness and saddle of high form, the sides with a floral band on one side and interlacing palmettes on the other, further embellished with swastika motifs, rectangular aperture at base of neck
Literature
M. Zebrowski, Gold, Silver & Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1997, p.106, no.119.
Condition
In general good condition, small break to top of head, rear legs incomplete, the body with very minor scratches to surface and minor patches of oxidisation, the underside with two old collector labels, 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
This finely executed model of a horse combines elements of two contemporary traditions, the Hindu and Muslim. Whereas it resembles the models of horses made to support the images of local deities in the Hindu tradition, its fine craftsmanship and characterful rendering is far more refined than one might normally expect of such a sculpture, made to support a deity from a local pantheon (Zebrowski 1997, p.109). The floral and interlacing palmette designs along the saddle and accouterments is similar to the Persian and Mughal brass objects of the period. These details could possibly point to a commission by a Hindu patron to a Muslim craftsman.