Contemporary Discoveries

Allora and Calzadilla b. 1974 and b. 1971 Intermission (Halloween Afghanistan: Still Life II) woodcut print on muslin 120 by 168 in. 304.8 by 426.7 cm. Executed in 2013, this work is the artist's proof from an edition of 3 plus 1 artist's proof.

View 1 of Lot 289: Intermission (Halloween Afghanistan: Still Life II)

intermission (halloween afghanistan: still life ii)

Important Judaica

of shield shape, chased with scrolling foliage and centered by a drop-shaped red paste surrounded by turquoises, the back engraved with G-d and a name; the prayer holder of hexagonal tube form with three pendants, apparently unmarked

of shield shape, chased with scrolling foliage and centered by a drop-shaped red paste surrounded by turquoises, the back engraved with G-d and a name; the prayer holder of hexagonal tube form with three pendants, apparently unmarked Height of amulet 3 in. 7.6cm

View 1 of Lot 78: A Gem-Set Gold Amulet with Prayer Container, Probably Afghanistan, Early 20th Century

a gem-set gold amulet with prayer container, probably afghanistan, early 20th century

Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Works of Art

Private Asian Collection A Stupa with Relics and Casket, Rock Crystal, Gold, Pearls, and Schist Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period, 1st/2nd Century, Probably North-West Pakistan or Afghanistan Height of taller 7¼ in. (18.4 cm) The rock crystal stupa in three parts, surmounted by a golden chattra or parasol with tiny pearls suspended along the rim, a separate golden strip punched with Kharoshthi characters reading “Vakhanasa datakhasa”, or "Of Vakhana the Donor", a golden rosette with a granulated surface and a small golden disc-shaped relic container. The ovoid stone casket with lid, the knop decorated with a recessed floral motif, a chevron pattern incised around the neck, traces of gilding adhering to the surface.

View 1 of Lot 353: A Stupa with Relics and Casket, Rock Crystal, Gold, Pearls, and Schist, Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period, 1st/2nd Century, Probably North-West Pakistan or Afghanistan

a stupa with relics and casket, rock crystal, gold, pearls, and schist, ancient region of gandhara, kushan period, 1st/2nd century, probably north-west pakistan or afghanistan

Collection Pierre Le-Tan, Session II

A portrait of a turbaned gentleman, Afghanistan, 20th century

A portrait of a turbaned gentleman, Afghanistan, 20th century D. 17,5 cm ; 6⅞ in. __________________________________________________________________________ Portrait en buste d’un Personnage enturbanné, École Afghane, XXe siècle signé et daté en bas A. jabar, 1990 (?) étiquette au dos donnant le nom de l’artiste : Abd al-jabar aquarelle rehaussée, le buste dans un rondeaux entouré d’une enluminure végétale D. 17,5 cm ; 6⅞ in.

a portrait of a turbaned gentleman, afghanistan, 20th century

shield shaped, flat chased with acronymic abbreviations of Anna be-Koah, attached to a string of agate and glass beads and two gold prayer containers chased with foliage

shield shaped, flat chased with acronymic abbreviations of Anna be-Koah, attached to a string of agate and glass beads and two gold prayer containers chased with foliage height of pendant 2 3/8 in. 6 cm

View 1 of Lot 76: A Gold and Gem-Set Pendant, Probably Afghanistan, Early 20th Century

a gold and gem-set pendant, probably afghanistan, early 20th century

Travel, Atlases, Maps & Natural History

Afghanistan—Bengal Sappers and Miners (and others)

Afghanistan—Bengal Sappers and Miners (and others) Album of photographs mostly relating to the Second Anglo-Afghan War, many taken by the Photograph School of the Bengal Sappers and Miners. c.1878-1890 Oblong folio (275 x 380mm.), 80 albumen print photographs (mostly 203 x 267mm., some larger folding panoramas), individually mounted, some loose, contemporary green morocco , gilt edges, silk endpapers, some fading, a few tears, 2 detached from mounts Around half the photographs correspond to a printed index leaf entitled "Photograph School, Sappers and Miners. Photographs of the late Anglo Afghan Expedition", loosely inserted in the preliminary leaves. From the mid nineteenth-century, "Royal Engineers appreciated the advantages of photography as an adjunct to survey, as a record of engineering work, and as a means of copying maps and plans" (Woodburn, "Phototheca Afghanica", 2012). The work of the Bengal Sappers and Miners comprises one of just "three main sources of photographs" of the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880). Images of the conflict taken by civilian professional photographer John Burke had a much wider circulation than these by the Bengal Sappers and Miners, which are rare. The album also includes photographs from locations including Lucknow, Rangoon, Aden, and Poona, from c.1888, including street scenes, views, and military officers, as well as 12 photographs depicting a range of European locations. LITERATURE: Woodburn, "Phototheca Afghanica", 2012

View 1 of Lot 70: Afghanistan—Bengal Sappers and Miners | Album of photographs, c.1878-90

afghanistan—bengal sappers and miners | album of photographs, c.1878-90

Arts of the Islamic World & India

gouache heightened with silver and gold on paper, the painting framed with 24 ll. of black naskh, red and blue rules, mounted on cardboard, with inventory number ‘10331’ and inscribed ‘published by Kunnel [sic]’ (Ernst Kühnel)

gouache heightened with silver and gold on paper, the painting framed with 24 ll. of black naskh, red and blue rules, mounted on cardboard, with inventory number ‘10331’ and inscribed ‘published by Kunnel [sic]’ (Ernst Kühnel) painting: 11.2 by 25.5cm. text block: 37 by 25.2cm. leaf: 42.9 by 33.4cm.

View 1 of Lot 125: An illustrated leaf from Hafiz-i Abru’s Majma‘ al-Tawarikh: death of the Samanid Emir Nuh (II) ibn Mansur, Afghanistan, Herat, Timurid, circa 1425-26

an illustrated leaf from hafiz-i abru’s majma‘ al-tawarikh: death of the samanid emir nuh (ii) ibn mansur, afghanistan, herat, timurid, circa 1425-26

cast in three parts, the body of squat globular form with straight cylindrical neck, on short slightly flared foot, the body with two registers of calligraphic cartouches divided by floral tendrils, the lower register and neck with similar floral decoration, with dragon-shaped handle, possibly associated

cast in three parts, the body of squat globular form with straight cylindrical neck, on short slightly flared foot, the body with two registers of calligraphic cartouches divided by floral tendrils, the lower register and neck with similar floral decoration, with dragon-shaped handle, possibly associated 16cm. height

View 1 of Lot 134: A Timurid brass jug (mashrabe), Herat, Afghanistan, 15th/early 16th century

a timurid brass jug (mashrabe), herat, afghanistan, 15th/early 16th century

Travel, Atlases, Maps, Photographs & Natural History

Afghanistan—Sahibdad Abdulla A collection of 38 photographs of Afghanistan. Kabul, c. 1919-33 38 silver and gelatin silver prints (from approx. 164 x 210mm. to 192 x 294mm., or the reverse), 14 with the photographer's stamp on the verso, a few slight creases, one with small marginal tear RARE AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT PHOTOGRAPHS from the period of modernisation in Afghanistan commenced during the reign of Amanullah Khan (1919-1929). The photographs give a vivid insight into the compulsory reforms imposed by King Amanullah, and the disastrous effects occasioned by the unwelcome reforms. Among the images is a photograph of the assembly of tribal representatives at the Loya Jirgah on the 2nd of September, 1928. The King and Queen are shown surrounded by subjects who have been forced to wear European dress for the first time in their lives. Such compulsory modernisation lead to King Amanullah's overthrow a few months later, when Habibullah Kalakani led an uprising against the King and his attempts at westernisation. Shortly after the uprising, Nadir Shah took the throne and ordered the execution of Habibullah Ghazi. The public execution of the latter and his gang is also depicted here. Other images include photographs of Nadir Shah and his dignitaries (1930); Afghan warriors; foreign guests with Nadir Shah; and numerous others which together provide a fascinating insight into this turbulent period of Afghan history. PROVENANCE: Sotheby's, London, 8 May 2002, lot 304

View 1 of Lot 196: Afghanistan—Sahibdad Abdulla | A collection of 38 photographs of Afghanistan. Kabul, circa 1919-1933

afghanistan—sahibdad abdulla | a collection of 38 photographs of afghanistan. kabul, circa 1919-1933

both of shield shape, one chased with scrolling foliage and set with a faceted emerald surrounded by pearls, the back engraved with name; the other with engraved foliage and set with a red stone framed in turquoises and jade beads, the back with inscriptions. Together with another, semi-circular applied with filigree, and with hoop handle, stamped with control marks on handle, 3 pieces.

both of shield shape, one chased with scrolling foliage and set with a faceted emerald surrounded by pearls, the back engraved with name; the other with engraved foliage and set with a red stone framed in turquoises and jade beads, the back with inscriptions. Together with another, semi-circular applied with filigree, and with hoop handle, stamped with control marks on handle, 3 pieces. Height of first 3 ¼ in. 8.2 cm

View 1 of Lot 77: Two Gold and Gem-Set Amulets, Probably Afghanistan, 20th Century

two gold and gem-set amulets, probably afghanistan, 20th century

Travel, Atlases, Maps and Photographs

View 1 of Lot 22: Afghanistan—Sahibdad Abdulla | A collection of 38 photographs of Afghanistan. Kabul, c. 1919-1933

afghanistan—sahibdad abdulla | a collection of 38 photographs of afghanistan. kabul, c. 1919-1933

History in Manuscript: Letters and Documents from a Distinguished Collection

Sir Neville Bowles Chamberlain Autograph letter signed, to his uncle Thomas Lloyd describing the situation in Afghanistan including the internal tensions and the threat of war with Russia, problems in Persia, providing news that he has just been appointed a company commander, cross-written, 6 pages (on 3 pages), 4to, integral address, from the Camp at Shikarpore, 23 February 1839, small portion of text missing where letter has been opened Chamberlain, then a very young officer with the invading British Army, was to serve most of his career in India and Afghanistan with a reputation as a daring leader of irregular horse, earning the epithet 'that glorious soldier'. The letter - long and cross-written - describes the increasing tensions in Afghanistan before the outbreak of the First Afghan War. Chamberlain describes the difficult relations with the local population - thieving, attacks etc - the constant state of alertness, rumours of the Persians going to Herat, and the possibility of war with the Russians, as well as discussing Dost Mohammad and his successor, the English-supported ruler Shah Sujah. PROVENANCE: Roy Davids; his sale, Part 2, Bonhams, London, 29 March 2011, lot 373

View 1 of Lot 46: First Anglo-Afghan War--Sir N.B. Chamberlain | Autograph letter signed, describing tension in Afghanistan, 1839

first anglo-afghan war--sir n.b. chamberlain | autograph letter signed, describing tension in afghanistan, 1839

Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets

the body of globular form, thin neck leading to a cylindrical opening with six bosses, a grill to top, engraved and inlaid with silver with calligraphic bands, stylised flowerheads and further geometric motifs, underside of foot with palmette engravings

the body of globular form, thin neck leading to a cylindrical opening with six bosses, a grill to top, engraved and inlaid with silver with calligraphic bands, stylised flowerheads and further geometric motifs, underside of foot with palmette engravings 13.5cm.

a silver-inlaid engraved metal bottle with sprinkler top, afghanistan or persia, 12th/13th century

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN COLLECTION

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN COLLECTION A FINE CAST BRONZE FELINE HEAD FROM AN INCENSE BURNER, KHURASAN OR AFGHANISTAN, 11TH-12TH CENTURY cast in the form of a smiling feline with open mouth, large openwork eyes, pointed ears, the body pierced and engraved with geometric lattice containing palmette scrolls 14cm.

a fine cast bronze feline head from an incense burner, khurasan or afghanistan, 11th-12th century

Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton

Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton Two autograph letters signed, as Viceroy of India, to Sir William Henry Haggard both marked "Private", regarding the British invasion of Afghanistan, providing an extensive exposition of his views before and after the British invasion of Afghanistan (in November 1878), the second following the defeat of Sher Ali (2 December), reviewing the military and political situation at great and revealing length, retaliating against critics of the war ("Nincumpoops") and justifying his conduct, 28 pages, 4to, Simla and Calcutta, 22 May and 29 December 1878, small tear to Calcutta letter "...My calculations, thus far, have proved correct. The rapidity of our action has rendered it practically impossible for Russia to rescue Shir Ali...The moral effect...will, I trust, be permanent and far-reaching...the Cabinet [is] naturally & rightly anxious to bring the Afghan Campaign to the earliest possible conclusion...Any other nation in the world would be proud of having established such an Empire as India..." The Second Anglo-Afghan War was a successful British move in the "Great Game". It resulted in the removal of the pro-Russian Emir, Sher Ali Khan, and his replacement with Rahman, the "Iron Emir", who accepted British control over Afghan foreign policy . PROVENANCE: Sotheby's, London, 11 July 1996, lot 360

View 1 of Lot 14: Edward Bulwer-Lytton | Two autograph letters signed, to W.H. Haggard, on the invasion of Afghanistan, 1878

edward bulwer-lytton | two autograph letters signed, to w.h. haggard, on the invasion of afghanistan, 1878

gouache heightened with silver and gold on paper, 33 ll. of black naskh, red and blue rules, with undeciphered seal impression and inventory number ‘10176’

gouache heightened with silver and gold on paper, 33 ll. of black naskh, red and blue rules, with undeciphered seal impression and inventory number ‘10176’ painting: 16.2 by 22cm. text block: 32.4 by 22.5cm. leaf: 42.5 by 33cm.

View 1 of Lot 124: An illustrated leaf from Hafiz-i Abru’s Majma‘ al-Tawarikh: Rustam shoots Isfandiyar in the eye with an arrow, Afghanistan, Herat, Timurid, circa 1425-26

an illustrated leaf from hafiz-i abru’s majma‘ al-tawarikh: rustam shoots isfandiyar in the eye with an arrow, afghanistan, herat, timurid, circa 1425-26

The Halpern Judaica Collection: Tradition and Treasure | Part I

A Large Near Eastern Silver Wedding Belt Buckle, possibly Afghanistan, mid 19th century

A Large Near Eastern Silver Wedding Belt Buckle, possibly Afghanistan, mid 19th century in the form of two paisleys, densely chased with foliage enclosing panels engraved in Hebrew with biblical verses relating the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. Length 11¾in. (29.8 cm)

View 1 of Lot 90: A Large Near Eastern Silver Wedding Belt Buckle, possibly Afghanistan, mid 19th century

a large near eastern silver wedding belt buckle, possibly afghanistan, mid 19th century

Afghanistan—Randolph Bezzant Holmes Album of photographs of the Third Anglo-Afghan War, 1919 Oblong folio (332 x 398mm.), 25 silver print photographs (each 236 x 292mm.), on 14 card mounts, including 3 panoramas each mounted over two facing mounts, slight fading at extremities, binding slightly worn, lacking spine Randall Bezzant Holmes (1888-1973) was employed as an official photographer of the Third Anglo-Afghan War, and travelled with the British Colonial Army through the North-West Frontier. This album includes a selection of his powerful images of landscapes, military encampments, and tribespeople during the 1919 conflict.

View 1 of Lot 72: Afghanistan—Holmes | Album of photographs of the Third Anglo-Afghan War, 1919

afghanistan—holmes | album of photographs of the third anglo-afghan war, 1919

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN COLLECTION A GROUP OF SEVEN ROCK CRYSTAL CARVINGS IN THE FORM OF ANIMALS, AFGHANISTAN, PERSIA OR IRAQ, 12TH/13TH CENTURY OR EARLIER four larger examples carved in feline form with elongated bodies, the three smaller pieces comprising a cockerel, a feline head and a leaping feline (7) 6cm. max.

a group of seven rock crystal carvings in the form of animals, afghanistan, persia or iraq, 12th/13th century or earlier

Afghanistan—Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Oskar von Niedermayer and Ernst Diez, Sir Aurel Stein

Afghanistan—Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Oskar von Niedermayer and Ernst Diez, Sir Aurel Stein Three books on Afghanistan, comprising: Alexander Burnes. Cabool; being a personal narrative of a journey to, and residence in that city, in the years 1836, 7, and 8. With numerous illustrations. London: John Murray, 1842 FIRST EDITION, 8vo (221 x 138mm.), 12 plates, mostly lithographed, appendices and errata leaf at end, nineteenth-century half calf, marbled boards, spine in compartments with raised bands, red morocco label, uncut, light brown endpapers, some spotting and dampstaining, extremities rubbed Oskar von Niedermayer and Ernst Diez. Afghanistan. Leipzig: Hiersemann, 1924 FIRST EDITION, 4to (307 x 246mm.), 243 plates, 3 plans, text illustrations, publisher's decorative cloth, blue edges, orange endpapers, slight browning at extremities Aurel Stein. On Ancient Central Asian Tracks. London: Macmillan and Co., 1933 FIRST EDITION, 8vo (237 x 168mm.), coloured frontispiece, dedication leaf, 147 plates (some coloured and some folding), old library stamp to verso of title, original terracotta cloth, gilt medallion on upper cover, top edge gilt, others uncut, new black endpapers, lacking map of Chinese Turkistan and adjacent parts of Central Asia and Kansu at end of volume, binding slightly bowed and rubbed Cabool is an account of Burnes's second mission to Kabul from where, in spite of all his best efforts, he failed to persuade the British to support Dost Mohammed's claim over Peshwar. As a result, Dost Mohammed welcomed the Russians into Kabul and Burnes returned disappointed to India in 1838. Burnes was assassinated by an Afghan mob in 1841, presaging one of the greatest British military catastrophes of the nineteenth-century. Niedermayer and Diez's Afghanistan is a rare work based on photographs and other material obtained by Niedermayer and his colleagues during the ill-fated German secret mission to Kabul in World War I, when they attempted to engage Afghanistan in a Holy War against British India (see On Secret Service East of Constantinople, pp.154-166.) On Ancient Central Asian Tracks is a relatively rare travelogue, addressing the archaeological expedition undertaken by Aurel Stein in the region, which uncovered numerous hitherto undiscovered relics from the region. LITERATURE: Cabool: Yakushi (1994) B633a; Afghanistan: On Secret Service East of Constantinople, pp.154-166; On Central-Asian Tracks: Yakushi (1994) S723a

View 1 of Lot 71: Afghanistan | Three books by Burnes, 1842; Neidermeyer, 1924; and Stein, 1933, together in 3 volumes

afghanistan | three books by burnes, 1842; neidermeyer, 1924; and stein, 1933, together in 3 volumes

Classic Travel Photographs

Afghanistan—attributed to John Burke and William Baker

Afghanistan—attributed to John Burke and William Baker Panorama of Kabul, c.1880 2-part albumen print panorama (200 x 555mm.), mounted on card, manuscript title on the mount, framed and glazed, minor fading at join A RARE EARLY VIEW OF KABUL, taken from one of the city's surrounding hills, and showing the Khyber Pass in the background. John Burke and William Baker, two British soldiers, were among the first photographers to work in Afghanistan; from their base in northern India they worked together during the 1860s and early 1870s and took photographs during the Afghan wars, and in Peshawar and the Himalayas. Many of their photographs were used as the source for illustrations in the Illustrated London News and other publications.

View 1 of Lot 1: Afghanistan—attributed to John Burke and William Baker | Panorama of Kabul, c.1880

afghanistan—attributed to john burke and william baker | panorama of kabul, c.1880

Major-General Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, British Political Agent in Kandahar,

Major-General Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, British Political Agent in Kandahar, Letter to Sir John McNeill, British envoy at the Persian Court sent care of the British Consul General in Constantinople, warning of the deep hatred for the British occupying forces in Afghanistan, particular in Helmand and Herat, the growing insurgency, and the increasing difficulty in maintaining a British presence in the country, sent via the Overland Mail, disinfected with slits, struck with oval 'India' in red, endorsed 'via Egypt', with typed transcript, 4 pages, folio, Kandahar, August 12 1841, light spotting Rawlinson here outlines three options for the British: withdrawal from the country; an offensive, to "carry fire and sword through some of the insurgent districts"; or settle down to a long occupation and accept the price will be "an immense sacrifice of blood and treasure". For Rawlinson see also lot 47. PROVENANCE: Auktionshaus Schlegel, 17-19 March 2011, lot 8012

View 1 of Lot 48: First Anglo-Afghan War--Sir Henry Rawlinson | Letter on the situation in Afghanistan, to Sir John MacNeill, 1841

first anglo-afghan war--sir henry rawlinson | letter on the situation in afghanistan, to sir john macneill, 1841

History of Science and Technology, Inclu

A beautifully sculptural piece, the freeform perfectly polished on all sides. (43 x 38 x 7 cm). Evocative of a cubist portrait, one can distinguish a prominent nose, a halo of eyes, and a mouth drawn by a fine white vein. 

afghanistan

Travel, Atlases, Maps & Natural History 

providing an account of his service in the country during the 2nd Afghan War (1878-80) with detailed and digressive notes on the country, its inhabitants, economy, local history and legends, beliefs and customs, incorporating some notes from his father's service during the 1st Afghan War (1839-42), with 26 illustrations, chiefly in ink, wash, and watercolour, and with a list of illustrations and index, some pencil notes by a later family member, 250 numbered pages, text on rectos only on lined paper, foolscap, dated 13 February 1899, loose within contemporary boards[with:] The Gordon Creeds in Afghanistan, ed. William Trousdale. London, 1984. 8vo, original paper wrappers

autograph manuscript entitled "on afghanistan, its minerals, productions, people ec., tumuli, religion, and want of railways"

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (222 x 140mm.), 2 folding maps in pocket at rear, original cloth, extremities rubbed

northern afghanistan or letters from the afghan boundary commission. edinburgh and london: william blackwood, 1888

FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes, 8vo (213 x 130mm.), 6 tinted lithographed plates (one folding and panoramic), contemporary green half calf, marbled boards, lacking half-titles, minor browning and spotting, slightly rubbed

narrative of various journeys in balochistan, afghanistan, and the panjab; including a residence in those countries from 1826 to 1838. london: richard bentley, 1842

Rugs and Carpets

after the design of the Kurdish example formerly in the collection of Joseph W. Fell

a small carpet, probably turkey or afghanistan |

The Library of John and Suzanne Bonham

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo (217 x 136mm.), half-titles, large folding map, 39 plates, illustrations, 2pp. adverts at end of vol.1, original blind-stamped blue cloth, occasional slight spotting, short tear in map, binding very slightly rubbed

narrative of a journey through the province of khorassan and on the n.w. frontier of afghanistan in 1875. london: wm. h. allen, 1879

4 volumes, 8vo (216 x 132mm.), 6 tinted lithographed plates (one folding), folding map, wood-engraved illustrations in text, contemporary brown half calf, marbled boards, spines gilt, lacking half-titles, vol.1 lacking list of illustrations (pp.xxix-xxx), and advertisements, vol.4 lacking preface leaf (pp.iii-iv), a few plates trimmed with loss of imprint, slightly rubbed

narrative of various journeys in balochistan, afghanistan, the panjab, and kalât. london: richard bentley, 1844

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (210 x 134mm.), lithographed frontispiece portrait on india paper, folding engraved map, contemporary red half morocco over marbled boards, frontispiece offset, minor repairs to a few leaves, map and binding, slightly rubbed

travels in the panjab, afghanistan, & turkistan to balk, bokhara, and herat; and a visit to great britain and germany. london: wm.h. allen, 1846

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (185 x 110mm.), pp. [i]-xi, [3]-114, original green cloth, printed label on spine

description of affghanistan and the punjaub; with a narrative of the attempt to force the khyber pass; an account of the troops assembled at peshawur. taunton: for private circulation, by f. may, 1842

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo (218 x 132mm.), 19 lithographed portraits on india paper, contemporary calf, spines gilt, some foxing, binding slightly soiled

life of the amir dost mohammed khan of kabul . . . including the victory and disasters of the british army in afghanistan. london: longman, brown, green and longmans, 1846

Results for "Afghanistan"