Lot 211
  • 211

A pair of cotton wall hangings, Egypt, circa 1900

Estimate
4,000 - 5,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • cotton textile
comprising two hangings, each with appliquéd cotton panels of red, light blue, dark blue, yellow, brown, black and cream, forming roundels with interlocking polygons surrounded by organic elements, surmounted by a winged sun symbol containing a scarab and two protruding cobras with a calligraphic inscription above

Condition

Both in generally good, bright condition. One panel: some ware as consistent with age and use, few very minor tears, one or two of threads slightly loose, minor patches of staining, including few rust smudges where textile must have once been hung with metal pins, top folded over slightly on reverse, few fold marks. The other panel with slight fading of colour to left-hand side, few minor stains and threads loose, also visible to otherside, notably a lot of loose threads along lower edge, 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."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions

"It is written in air upon pages of affection"

This is the first verse of the last couplet of a qasidah attributed both to Imam Shafi’i and ‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib

These two hangings combine motifs from Ancient Egypt with more modern, turn of the century stylised designs from an Islamic repertoire. The famous winged sun was associated with the solar eclipse in ancient Egyptian thought, and the two cobras, early deities, possibly the goddess Wadjet, representing divinity and royalty, in this case combined with a beetle at the centre of the sun, symbolising rebirth. 

Such hangings, which were also used as tents, played an influential role on European artists of the period, notably Henry Matisse (1869-1954) and Alexander Calder (1898-1976). For further reading on this subject, see: 'Leggere tra le righe: attraverso i papiers découpés di Matisse', In Matisse Arabesque, exhibition catalogue, Rome, Skira, 2015, pp.55-63.