April–May 2025 • London

T his spring Sotheby's London presents an extraordinary array of sales celebrating Islamic, Orientalist and Middle Eastern Art. Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour features over 100 exquisite pieces of Islamic and Indian arms and armour from a lifetime of dedicated scholarship. Following this is Orientalist Art, showcasing 19th- and early 20th-century depictions of North Africa, Egypt, and the Ottoman world, while an exceptional single owner collection of 35 watercolours by David Roberts, R.A. captures his pioneering travels through the Middle East. Arts of the Islamic World and India offers a rich and diverse selection of historic masterpieces, and the sales conclude with Modern & Contemporary Middle East, which brings together significant works from leading artists across the Arab world, North Africa, Iran, and Türkiye.

Auctions & Exhibitions

On View in London

  • Apr24 Apr30

    London

  • Hours

    Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–4:30 PMSaturday–Sunday | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM

    Location

    34–35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA, UK

Highlights

Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic & Indian Arms and Armour

36
Type: lot
Category: Lot
The ‘World-Capturer’ Sword of Shah Jahan, Blade: North India, 17th Century
The ‘World-Capturer’ Sword of Shah Jahan, Blade: North India, 17th Century
Estimate: 600,000 – 800,000 GBP
Estimate: 600,000 – 800,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot
55
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An Exceptional Sabre Presented to Claude Martin by Nawab Asaf Al-Dawla of Awadh (R.1775-97), India, Lucknow, late 18th Century
An Exceptional Sabre Presented to Claude Martin by Nawab Asaf Al-Dawla of Awadh (R.1775-97), India, Lucknow, late 18th Century
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot
11
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An Aqqoyunlu Turban Helmet from The Saint Irene Arsenal, Eastern Anatolia or Northwest Persia, Late 15th Century
An Aqqoyunlu Turban Helmet from The Saint Irene Arsenal, Eastern Anatolia or Northwest Persia, Late 15th Century
Estimate: 150,000 – 250,000 GBP
Estimate: 150,000 – 250,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot
6
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A Rare Ottoman Walrus Ivory Dagger Hilt, Turkey, 16th Century
A Rare Ottoman Walrus Ivory Dagger Hilt, Turkey, 16th Century
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot
34
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A Jade-Hilted Dagger in the form of Horse, India, late 18th or Early 19th Century
A Jade-Hilted Dagger in the form of Horse, India, late 18th or Early 19th Century
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot
1
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A Rare Ottoman Wicker Shield (Kalkan), Turkey, 17th Century
A Rare Ottoman Wicker Shield (Kalkan), Turkey, 17th Century
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot
12
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An Ottoman Lamellar and Mail Shirt, Turkey, Late 15th Century
An Ottoman Lamellar and Mail Shirt, Turkey, Late 15th Century
Estimate: 50,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 80,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot
41
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An Exceptional Mughal Jade-Hilted Dagger in the form of a Horse, India, 17th Century
An Exceptional Mughal Jade-Hilted Dagger in the form of a Horse, India, 17th Century
Estimate: 50,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 80,000 GBP
Splendour: The Philippe Missillier Collection of Islamic Arms and Armour
29 April 2025 | 10:30 AM BST | London
View Lot

Arts of the Islamic World & India

546
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A large illuminated Mamluk Qur’an, copied by Muhammad Abu al-Fadl ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab al-A’raj, Egypt or Syria, dated 882 AH/1477-78 AD
A large illuminated Mamluk Qur’an, copied by Muhammad Abu al-Fadl ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab al-A’raj, Egypt or Syria, dated 882 AH/1477-78 AD
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
520
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A line from the 'Baysunghur Qur'an', attributed to 'Umar al-Aqta, Herat or Samarqand, circa 1400
A line from the 'Baysunghur Qur'an', attributed to 'Umar al-Aqta, Herat or Samarqand, circa 1400
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
545
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A gold and silver-inlaid bronze candlestick, east Anatolia or Jazira, 13th century
A gold and silver-inlaid bronze candlestick, east Anatolia or Jazira, 13th century
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
504
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An early fragmentary Qur'an leaf in Hijazi script on vellum, Arabian Peninsula, second half 7th century AD
An early fragmentary Qur'an leaf in Hijazi script on vellum, Arabian Peninsula, second half 7th century AD
Estimate: 250,000 – 350,000 GBP
Estimate: 250,000 – 350,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
532
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An early bound Qur’an section in Kufic script, North Africa or Near East, Umayyad, circa 700-750 AD
An early bound Qur’an section in Kufic script, North Africa or Near East, Umayyad, circa 700-750 AD
Estimate: 250,000 – 300,000 GBP
Estimate: 250,000 – 300,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
555
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A finely illuminated Qur'an, signed by Jalal ibn Muhammad Bakalinjar al-Daylami, Shiraz, Persia, Safavid, mid-16th century
A finely illuminated Qur'an, signed by Jalal ibn Muhammad Bakalinjar al-Daylami, Shiraz, Persia, Safavid, mid-16th century
Estimate: 250,000 – 300,000 GBP
Estimate: 250,000 – 300,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
528
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare and monumental Raqqa Tile, Syria, first half 13th century
A rare and monumental Raqqa Tile, Syria, first half 13th century
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 GBP
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
512
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A Nasrid wood and bone-inlaid pyxis, Spain, 14th/15th century
A Nasrid wood and bone-inlaid pyxis, Spain, 14th/15th century
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 GBP
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
547
Type: lot
Category: Lot
A rare and important Mamluk steel sword dedicated to Sultan Qaytbay (r.1468-96), Egypt, last quarter 15th century
A rare and important Mamluk steel sword dedicated to Sultan Qaytbay (r.1468-96), Egypt, last quarter 15th century
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 GBP
Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot
508
Type: lot
Category: Lot
An Almohad brass astrolabe mater and plates, signed by Abu Bakr ibn Yusuf, Morocco, Marrakesh, dated 615 AH/1218-19 AD
An Almohad brass astrolabe mater and plates, signed by Abu Bakr ibn Yusuf, Morocco, Marrakesh, dated 615 AH/1218-19 AD
Estimate: 100,000 – 150,000 GBP
Estimate: 100,000 – 150,000 GBP
Arts of the Islamic World & India
30 April 2025 | 11:00 AM BST | London
View Lot

Orientalist Art

208
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Osman Hamdy Bey
Osman Hamdy Bey
Preparing coffee
Estimate: 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 GBP
Estimate: 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
215
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Rudolf Ernst
Rudolf Ernst
Reciting the Koran
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
213
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Stanislaus von Chlebowski
Stanislaus von Chlebowski
Bashi-Bazouk Carrying the Banner of Prophet Muhammad
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
211
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Malay Girl Reading in a Madrasa Garden
Malay Girl Reading in a Madrasa Garden
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
219
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Frederick Arthur Bridgman
Frederick Arthur Bridgman
On the Terrace
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
231
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Georges Washington
Georges Washington
Return from the Razzia
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
218
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Louis Auguste Girardot
Louis Auguste Girardot
On the Terrace, Tétouan
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
204
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Rudolf Ernst
Rudolf Ernst
The Palace Warden
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
235
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Théobald Chartran
Théobald Chartran
A Bashi-Bazouk
Estimate: 50,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 80,000 GBP
Orientalist Art
29 April 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot

Modern and Contemporary Middle East

1028
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Sohrab Sepehri
Sohrab Sepehri
Untitled
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Modern and Contemporary Middle East
17 April–1 May 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
1005
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Bahman Mohassess
Bahman Mohassess
Untitled (Owl)
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Modern and Contemporary Middle East
17 April–1 May 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
1015
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Paul Guiragossian
Paul Guiragossian
Évanescence
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Modern and Contemporary Middle East
17 April–1 May 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
1044
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Marcos Grigorian
Marcos Grigorian
Flash
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Modern and Contemporary Middle East
17 April–1 May 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
1037
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Masoud Arabshahi
Masoud Arabshahi
Untitled
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Modern and Contemporary Middle East
17 April–1 May 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
1060
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Ayman Baalbaki
Ayman Baalbaki
Untitled (Ruin)
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Modern and Contemporary Middle East
17 April–1 May 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot
1062
Type: lot
Category: Lot
Ahmed Alsoudani
Ahmed Alsoudani
Untitled
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Modern and Contemporary Middle East
17 April–1 May 2025 | 3:00 PM BST | London
View Lot

David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection

303
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
El Deir, Petra
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
309
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Jerusalem from the North
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
310
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Jerusalem from the Road leading to Bethany
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
331
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Sidon, looking towards Lebanon
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
334
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Ruins of Baalbec
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
Estimate: 60,000 – 80,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
311
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Jerusalem from the South
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
312
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Jerusalem, The Dome of the Rock
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
307
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Hebron
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
Estimate: 50,000 – 70,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
314
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Jericho
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
330
Type: lot
Category: Lot
David Roberts, R.A
David Roberts, R.A
Tsur, Ancient Tyre
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 GBP
David Roberts, R.A. - Travels through the Middle East; Important Watercolours from a Distinguished Private Collection
29 April 2025 | 4:15 PM BST | London
View Lot
Browse All Lots
Search by lot title or filter by auction, department, or artist.

Filters

Showing 399 results

Applied Filters

    Clear All

    Department

    See All

    Artist

    See All
    Apply
    Close

    Featured Stories & Videos

    Type: video
    Category: Islamic, Orientalist & Middle Eastern Art
    Forged in Steel: 500 Years of Islamic & Indian Arms and Armour Mastery
    Type: featured
    Category: Collectors
    The Curator Redefining Contemporary Art at the Barbican Centre
    Type: featured
    Category: Indian & Himalayan Art
    Extraordinary Highlights of Asian Art
    Type: video
    Category: Modern & Contemporary Southeast Asian Art
    Lights, Camera, Action! Bollywood, Pop Art, and the Legacy of Bhupen Khakhar
    Type: featured
    Category: Modern & Contemporary Middle East
    Great Women Artists of the Middle East
    Type: video
    Category: Islamic, Orientalist & Middle Eastern Art
    The Bronze Buck from the Near East Cherished Over 12 Centuries
    Type: video
    Category: HAFLA: A Celebration of Middle Eastern Art
    Sotheby's Celebrates a Summer of Middle Eastern Art | HAFLA
    Type: featured
    Category: Modern & Contemporary Middle East
    So Much to Say, So Much to See and So Much Has Happened – Khamseen: 50 Years of Saudi Art
    Type: featured
    Category: Modern & Contemporary Middle East
    Sotheby's Experts Review the 2024 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
    Type: featured
    Category: Islamic, Orientalist & Middle Eastern Art
    Walid Al-Damirji Looks Back At The Golden Age of Iraqi Modern Art
    Type: video
    Category: Islamic, Orientalist & Middle Eastern Art
    Your Guide to Arts From the Islamic World and India | In The Gallery
    Type: video
    Category: Islamic, Orientalist & Middle Eastern Art
    Six Decades of Arts and Culture: A Love Letter to Beirut

    Stay informed with Sotheby’s top stories, videos, events & news.

    Receive the best from Sotheby’s delivered to your inbox.

    By subscribing you are agreeing to Sotheby’s Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from Sotheby’s emails at any time by clicking the “Manage your Subscriptions” link in any of your emails.