- 151
A Safavid brass torch-stand, Persia, late 16th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Brass
the faceted shaft divided by raised mouldings into three registers, the narrow upper register with a band of nasta'liq between split-palmette borders, two lower registers with arabesques bordered by scrolls, a further band of nasta'liq to the foot, the decoration reserved on a ground of red, green and black pigmented paste
Condition
Generally in good condition, it is rare that so much of the polychrome enamels remain (a little missing due to rubbing as consistent with age), some minor nicks and dents, the interior with pitting and oxidisation visible, 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 neck and the base (repeated): A Persian quatrain by Katibi Turshizi.
Souren Melikian-Chirvani indicates that black and red pigmented paste inlay featured in bronze and brass works in the middle Safavid era (Melikian-Chirvani 1982, p.267). Only very few metalwares, however, retain their original inlay, and this impressive candlestick may be one such example. Its inscription is by Katibi Turshizi, an early fifteenth century Khorasanian poet from Turshiz who died in 838 or 839 AH/1434-36 AD. His work reached great popularity in the Safavid era and the quatrain inscribed on this torch-stand relates to two others inscribed by him in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (ibid. pp.313-5, nos.140 and 141). A further example is also included in the present sale, as lot 113.
Around the neck and the base (repeated): A Persian quatrain by Katibi Turshizi.
Souren Melikian-Chirvani indicates that black and red pigmented paste inlay featured in bronze and brass works in the middle Safavid era (Melikian-Chirvani 1982, p.267). Only very few metalwares, however, retain their original inlay, and this impressive candlestick may be one such example. Its inscription is by Katibi Turshizi, an early fifteenth century Khorasanian poet from Turshiz who died in 838 or 839 AH/1434-36 AD. His work reached great popularity in the Safavid era and the quatrain inscribed on this torch-stand relates to two others inscribed by him in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (ibid. pp.313-5, nos.140 and 141). A further example is also included in the present sale, as lot 113.