An enamelled miniature from the Kalila wa Dimna, Limoges, France, first half 20th century

the slightly curved central panel with fine polychrome enamel work and painted details, set within a red velvet frame, with two smaller inscriptive panels above and below

Set in frame on a velvet backing, with two small inscriptive enamel panels above and below describing the scene, there is some very minor ware to velvet, the main painted enamel panel in bright and good condition,, the inscriptive panels with some stains and rubbing, the small panel on the bottom with small cracks, was not viewed outside of its frame, 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 fine enamel miniature was produced by the renowned French atelier in Limoges, known for its application of enamel at the highest level. The scene depicted, 'The Clever Merchant and the Gullible Thief', comes from the renowned Sanskrit Kalila wa Dimna, a collection of ancient Indian fables translated into Arabic by the eighth century Persian scribe and influential courtier Ibn al-Muqaffa. It is extremely rare to see an Islamic subject applied onto enamel by the Limoges atelier, and the present miniature copies the example in the Shah Tahmasp Album now in the Istanbul University Library (inv. no. F 1422, fol. 24a). Another version of this miniature appears in J.S.Cohen, Kalila wa Dimna - An Animal Allegory of the Mongol Court, Oxford University Press, 1989, p.49.