Lot 121
- 121
A Qajar lacquer pen-box with scenes of Bahram Gur, signed by Muhammad Kazim, Persia, dated 1294 AH/1877 AD
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- papier mache/ lacquer
lacquered papier-maché box with rounded ends and sliding tray, decorated with lobed panels featuring scenes from Nizami’s Haft Paykar, depicting Bahram in the Seven Pavilions, with portraits of ladies in between, the base and internal walls with gold palmette scrolls on a red ground, signed and dated, old collection and old exhibition labels to interior
Provenance
Presented by Nasir al-din Shah (1848-96) to the Crown Prince upon his graduation from school
Ex-Kelekian Collection, 4813/1008, 2 Place Vendome
Ex-Kelekian Collection, 4813/1008, 2 Place Vendome
Exhibited
Exhibition of Persian Art, Iranian Institute of America, New York, 1940, KDG 109
Literature
P. Ackerman, Guide to the exhibition of Persian Art, The Iranian Institute, New York, 1940, p.414, no.K.
Condition
In good overall condition, some hairline cracks to surface with minor chips in lacquer around extremities, otherwise colours strong, 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
inscriptions
The scenes depicted are from Nizami’s Haft Paykar, depicting Bahram in the Seven Pavilions. The smaller cartouches bear portraits of European ladies.
It is signed as:
raqam-e muhammad kazim sana 1294
‘Drawn by Muhammad Kazim year 1294 (1877-8)’
Muhammad Kazim is recorded as a son of the famous Najaf’ali naqqash-bashi (Chief Painter) of Qajar period. According to Karimzadeh a few of his works are very similar to the work of another famous Qajar painter Muhammad Isma’il. His recorded works that include lacquer, siyah qalam, enamelled and watercolour and are in museums such as the Hermitage in St Petersburg, Crown Jewels and ex-Decorative Art Museum in Tehran (According to Karimzadeh, a binding of a Qur’an by him dated 1283 AH (1866-7 AD) was sold at Sotheby’s in 1978) are dated between 1273 AH (1856-7 AD) and 1312 AH (1894-5 AD) (K. Tabrizi, The Lives & Art of Old Painters of Iran, vol.3, London, 1991, pp.1073-7).
The scenes depicted are from Nizami’s Haft Paykar, depicting Bahram in the Seven Pavilions. The smaller cartouches bear portraits of European ladies.
It is signed as:
raqam-e muhammad kazim sana 1294
‘Drawn by Muhammad Kazim year 1294 (1877-8)’
Muhammad Kazim is recorded as a son of the famous Najaf’ali naqqash-bashi (Chief Painter) of Qajar period. According to Karimzadeh a few of his works are very similar to the work of another famous Qajar painter Muhammad Isma’il. His recorded works that include lacquer, siyah qalam, enamelled and watercolour and are in museums such as the Hermitage in St Petersburg, Crown Jewels and ex-Decorative Art Museum in Tehran (According to Karimzadeh, a binding of a Qur’an by him dated 1283 AH (1866-7 AD) was sold at Sotheby’s in 1978) are dated between 1273 AH (1856-7 AD) and 1312 AH (1894-5 AD) (K. Tabrizi, The Lives & Art of Old Painters of Iran, vol.3, London, 1991, pp.1073-7).