A cockerel, Mughal, circa 17th-19th century

ink on paper, later inscription in upper right in nasta’liq script, mounted with floral borders, framed

J.D. (Dick) van Oenen
Christie's, South Kensington, 8 April 2011, lot 376

In good overall condition, 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."

This drawing of a rather proud cockerel, possibly a fighting cock, is difficult to pinpoint in terms of date and origin. The inscription in the upper right, which has been previously read as 'amal-i Mirak' is probably a later spurious addition. While the style of drawing is loosely akin to Mughal work of the seventeenth century and is very similar to a fully-coloured miniature of a cockerel in the Cleveland Museum of Art attributed to circa 1620 (see Leach 1985, no.23, p.84), it is likely to date from somewhat later. A later version of the Cleveland work is in the British Museum, see Das 2012, V.18, p.96. A comparison can also be made to a drawing of a Turkey cock in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, attributed to sixteenth- or seventeenth-century Golconda (see Makariou 2012, no.286, p.464).