- 63
A lacquer penbox, signed 'Ya Shah Najaf' (Najaf 'Ali), Persia, Qajar, circa 1850-60
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- paper mache
lacquered papier-maché box with rounded ends and sliding tray, decorated with gilt lobed panels featuring Shaykh San'an given wine by the Christian maiden, the sides with hunting scenes, the base of the cover and the side of the sliding compartment with floral scrolls
Condition
In good condition, with very minor crackeleure and losses to the paint and small stains, but overall the painting crisp 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
The signature ya shah-e najaf is connected with the artistic production of Najaf 'Ali (1795-1863 AD), the great master of lacquer of the first half of nineteenth century. The signature also refers to Imam 'Ali and his burial site in Najaf, Iraq. A closely-comparable penbox to the present example, decorated with the same scenes on the top, is in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (Raby 1997, pp.68-69, no.258), where it is attributed to the painter Muhammad Isma'il, one of Najaf 'Ali's most famous pupils. For more on Najaf 'Ali and his circle see ibid, pp.22-89.