- 171
A gilt saddle-axe (tabarzin), North-West India, Bikaner, 18th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- steel
the sharp axe blade with engraved floral decoration and punched ground, gilt, the handle chased and carved with dense floral scrolls, concealed dagger blade revealed by unscrewing terminal
Provenance
Ex-collection of Daniel Pasgrimaud, Paris.
Vincent Laloux, Brussels.
Vincent Laloux, Brussels.
Exhibited
Musée d'Art et Histoire, Geneva, 1988.
Pavillon des Arts, Paris, 1988.
Pavillon des Arts, Paris, 1988.
Literature
Mughal Silver Magnificence, XVI-XIXth Century, Antalga, Brussels, 1987, p.79, no.74.
Condition
Good general condition, the handle with some oxidisation visible within the crevices of carved decoration, the blade of axe with patches of oxidisation, minor sections of gilt overlay on blade missing, screwable small blade in good condition, 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
Decorative similarities can be drawn between this saddle-axe (tabarzin), and the previous lot, the bhuj-kutti. The silver-gilt and stylised floral designs along the bhuj-kutti's scabbard resemble those along the handle of this saddle-axe. The shape and proportions of the present example are reminiscent of Persian prototypes whilst its design in metal reveals exquisite Indian workmanship. Comparable examples are in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (inv. no.111-1888, inv. no.2402) and in the Wallace Collection, London (OA 1548).