- 15
A portrait of a nobleman, inscribed 'Khaneh-zad Khan ibn Sa’id Khan’, Mughal, circa third quarter 17th century
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- gouache with drawing on paper
- 21 by 12cm.
gouache with gold on paper, mounted on an album page, inscription of identification in Persian in nast'aliq script in upper right border and in Devanagari in gold in lower border, Persian couplet in nast'aliq in centre of upper border, numbered 22 in Persian, the reverse with Persian couplets in nast'aliq script signed by Javaher Raqam, seal impression of Suhrab Khan in the lower right border, Mewari inventory numbers 20/90(?), 44, _(?):30 in upper right border
Condition
Colours generally sharp, hairline creases to background, notably a horizontal crease running through middle, flake near head, set in borders, calligraphy to reverse with a chip or flake, some discoloration to reverse, 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 elegant portrait is inscribed in the upper right corner of the border with the identity of the subject: Khaneh-zad Khan Ibn Sa’id Khan’. The identification is repeated in gold Devanagari script in the lower border, probably written in the context of accession to the Mewar collections, as evidenced by the Mewar inventory numbers on the reverse (see above). The designation Khaneh-zad Khan was a title given by Mughal emperors, but so far no one of this title with a father called Sa'id Khan has been found.
The inscription in the centre of the upper border consists of a Persian couplet (poet unidentified):
gar pir-e navad saleh be-mirad ‘ajabi nist
in matam-e sakhtist keh guyand javan mord
‘If a ninety year old dies, it is not a surprise
It is a severe misfortune when said he/she died young’
The calligraphy on the verso consists of Persian couplets (poet unidentified), signed by faqir Javaher Raqam. Javaher Raqam was the title given by Alamgir to Sayyid Ali Tabrizi who had lived in Isfahan and moved to India with his father during Shah Jahan’s reign. He is said to have taught Prince Aurangzeb. He held posts in the Royal court including being a Royal Librarian and his seal impression is found in numerous manuscripts. All his recorded works are calligraphic pages dating between 1062 (1651-52) and 1086 (1675-76) (Mehdi Bayani, ahval va athar-e khosh-navisan, vol.II, 1346 sh, pp.447-9).
The seal impression of Suhrab Khan, an official of ‘Alamgir I, is in the margin.
The inscription in the centre of the upper border consists of a Persian couplet (poet unidentified):
gar pir-e navad saleh be-mirad ‘ajabi nist
in matam-e sakhtist keh guyand javan mord
‘If a ninety year old dies, it is not a surprise
It is a severe misfortune when said he/she died young’
The calligraphy on the verso consists of Persian couplets (poet unidentified), signed by faqir Javaher Raqam. Javaher Raqam was the title given by Alamgir to Sayyid Ali Tabrizi who had lived in Isfahan and moved to India with his father during Shah Jahan’s reign. He is said to have taught Prince Aurangzeb. He held posts in the Royal court including being a Royal Librarian and his seal impression is found in numerous manuscripts. All his recorded works are calligraphic pages dating between 1062 (1651-52) and 1086 (1675-76) (Mehdi Bayani, ahval va athar-e khosh-navisan, vol.II, 1346 sh, pp.447-9).
The seal impression of Suhrab Khan, an official of ‘Alamgir I, is in the margin.