Lot 296
  • 296

A SHAKHRISABZ SUSANI, UZBEKISTAN, |

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • approximately 260 by 201cm., 8ft. 6in; 6ft. 7in.
  • first half 19th century

Provenance

The Estate of Murad Megalli, sold Sotheby's London, 25 April 2012, Lot 678

Condition

Of really magnificent scale and with fantastic colour and drawing, this feels very early, possibly 18th century. There are delightful (and unusual) details such as the water ewers in a couple of the large rosettes in the borders and encircling the central medallion (these latter with losses to the embroidery). The susani has been backed in an ochre coloured fabric and there are some losses to the original ground fabric, particularly along the outer edges, and holes scattered in the field - these can just be discerned in the online image as darker golden yellow areas. Additional photos are also available from the department on request. A really glorious example.
"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

See Sotheby's London, 6 November 2018, Lot 92 for a related susani. There is a beautiful example which compares to both this and the present lot in the M. H. de Young Museum, San Francisco, inv.no. L84.166.8; another in the Marshall collection, see Grube, E., Keshte Central Asian Embroideries The Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf Collection, New York, 2003, pl. 15 and   another similar example cited in the same publication which is dated 1146 AH / 1734 AD,p. 6, fig. 19. There is also a comprehensive list of recorded examples in institutions within the Grube publication.  "The incentive for this desirable group of susanis was set  when H. McCoy Jones acquired four pieces for the De Young Museum in San Francisco. Despite all flowery descriptions I am inclined to say that the position of the red roundels should be based on the Belt stars in the Orion constellation and refers to the heavenly scale. For this reason one would call in a kalamkar specialist to draw out the design on the background." (EH)