- 71
A double-sided illuminated leaf: birds flying around a tree, Persia or India, 17th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- gouache on paper
gold and blue on paper, ruled in red, blue and gold
Condition
In good condition, minor losses to the blue ground affecting mainly the top tight corner at visible in the catalogue image, minor stone and areas of repainting by overall bright and 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
This highly decorative design is extremely unusual for being executed in reserve against a coloured ground, rather than the normal technique of painting in colours on a plain background, and creates a lush and striking visual effect. Whilst the individual motifs are reminiscent of Persian decorative styles of the period, including Safavid tiles and manuscript border illustrations, it is also possible that the present work was produced in India. Clear comparisons can be made with Mughal and Deccani textiles and carpets during the early seventeenth century, as well as floral studies on paper and album border illustrations, which were popular at the time.
For related works see the following: Leach 1998, no.67; Zebrowski 1983, co.pl.XII, figs.87 and 101; Canby 1998, no.116; Topsfield and Beach 1991, no.8 and Walker 1997, figs.31, 33, 34, 92 and 98. An almost identical sister leaf, presumably the facing page to the present illustration in the original manuscript, was sold in these rooms 18 October 2001, lot 60.
For related works see the following: Leach 1998, no.67; Zebrowski 1983, co.pl.XII, figs.87 and 101; Canby 1998, no.116; Topsfield and Beach 1991, no.8 and Walker 1997, figs.31, 33, 34, 92 and 98. An almost identical sister leaf, presumably the facing page to the present illustration in the original manuscript, was sold in these rooms 18 October 2001, lot 60.