Lot 271
- 271
A calligraphic album page, India, Mughal, early 18th century
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Ink, gouache and gold on paper
Persian manuscript on paper, 10 lines of black nasta'liq script, surrounded by borders of gold arabesque and scrolling floral vines reserved on blue, turquoise geometric bands, mounted on an album page decorated with a interlacing monumental vine issuing palmettes and floral rosettes, collector's label adhered to reverse
Condition
In good overall condition, small smudged area to third line of text, otherwise page clean, 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 illuminated page is a qasida in praise of Abul Fath-i Giliani, a Persian who was well-versed in medicine, theology and poetry. During Emperor Akbar's reign Gilani visited India from Isfahan and attained the position of Sadr al-Sadur, supreme judge.
The style of marginal illumination, comprising precise leafy scrolls with floral rosettes, can be compared to that found on numerous album pages in the St. Petersburg Album (see F. von Habsburg et al., The St. Petersburg Muraqqa', Lugano, 1996). Additionally, a similar style of decoration can be found on lacquer pen box by Muhammad Qasim (dated 1[0])55 AH/1645 AD), exhibited in Le Chant du Monde, L'art de l'Iran Safavide, 1501-1736, Mus🔯ée du Louvre, Paris, 2007, and published in the accompanying catalogue (see Melikian-Chirvani 2007, pp.394-5, no.148).