- 106
A Khurasan silver and copper-inlaid cast brass inkwell with figures, signed by Hajib Mas’ud Ibn Ahmad al-Naqqash, Persia, 12th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver inlaid brass
of cylindrical form, with a shallow cover with silver-inlaid calligraphic inscriptions, a central raised lobed boss with knop finial and three loop handles, a further three hinged on the body, decorated with incised details and silver and copper inlays, with paired figures seated within lobed archways, roundels containing birds and calligraphic panels, the underside with a finely incised harpy at its centre between panels containing quadrupeds
Condition
In generally fair condition, the base of interior heavily oxidized, the original silver-inlaid inscription which would have been around the rim to the interior of the inkwell completely missing except for one small silver piece and traces of the inscription, the interior with abrasion, the underside with small dents, copper-inlay mainly missing, some patches of erosion and rubbing, the body with small parts of the copper/silver inlay missing, some scratches, some rubbing, 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
Around the lid:
‘Perpetual glory and prosperity and wealth and well-being and plenitude and health and (God’s) support’
Around the body:
‘And prosperity and well-being and happiness and (Prophet’s) intercession and health and long-life to its owner’
On the body, incised in small hand:
‘Work of Hajib Mas’ud Ibn Ahmad the Herati decorator (al-naqqash)'
Ahmad the Herati was the same metalworker who decorated the famed Bobrinsky bucket, now in the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg and dated 559 AH/December 1163 AD (L.A. Mayer, Islamic metalworkers and their works, 1959, p.61).
Around the lid:
‘Perpetual glory and prosperity and wealth and well-being and plenitude and health and (God’s) support’
Around the body:
‘And prosperity and well-being and happiness and (Prophet’s) intercession and health and long-life to its owner’
On the body, incised in small hand:
‘Work of Hajib Mas’ud Ibn Ahmad the Herati decorator (al-naqqash)'
Ahmad the Herati was the same metalworker who decorated the famed Bobrinsky bucket, now in the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg and dated 559 AH/December 1163 AD (L.A. Mayer, Islamic metalworkers and their works, 1959, p.61).