Lot 310
- 310
A fine Khurasan silver-inlaid brass inkwell, Eastern Persia, circa 1200
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- silver inlaid-bronze
the cylindrical body with three loop handles, the silver-inlaid and incised decoration comprising a central band of sinuous scrolling foliage interrupted by birds in roundels between inscriptive bands in naskh, the cover with central domed section surmounted by a bud finial, three loops applied around the edge, decorated with further inscriptive bands in naskh and Kufic, engraved scrolls on the base, interior with engraved Kufic inscription
Condition
In overall good condition, some oxidisation to surface, notably visible on interior and underside. Small dent and creak to underside, with small repair possibly at the centre, silver generally intact with few minor sections rubbed, 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
Around the lid:
‘Glory and Prosperity and Wealth and Well-being and Happiness and Health and Sympathy and Happiness’
Around the lid in Kufic:
‘With Good-fortune and Blessing and Wealth and Well-being and Happiness and entirety and entirety (sic) and Long-life to its owner’
Around the body, upper and lower bands, repeat of:
‘Glory and Prosperity and Wealth and Happiness and Health and Sympathy and Permanence and Endurance and Long-life’
Around the inner rim, in Kufic:
‘With Good-fortune and Blessing and Blessing. With Good-fortune and Blessing’
With most of its original silver-inlaid decoration remaining intact and complex design including two types of calligraphy, birds and scrolling palmettes, this inkwell is a superb example of the later Khurasan school, characterised by its architectural shape. A similar inkwell is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, inv. no. 746-1889 (Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.123-4, no. 51) and the Islamic Art Museum, Malaysia (Islamic Art Museum Malaysia, ed. Fong Peng Khuan, 2002, pp.248-9).
Around the lid:
‘Glory and Prosperity and Wealth and Well-being and Happiness and Health and Sympathy and Happiness’
Around the lid in Kufic:
‘With Good-fortune and Blessing and Wealth and Well-being and Happiness and entirety and entirety (sic) and Long-life to its owner’
Around the body, upper and lower bands, repeat of:
‘Glory and Prosperity and Wealth and Happiness and Health and Sympathy and Permanence and Endurance and Long-life’
Around the inner rim, in Kufic:
‘With Good-fortune and Blessing and Blessing. With Good-fortune and Blessing’
With most of its original silver-inlaid decoration remaining intact and complex design including two types of calligraphy, birds and scrolling palmettes, this inkwell is a superb example of the later Khurasan school, characterised by its architectural shape. A similar inkwell is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, inv. no. 746-1889 (Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.123-4, no. 51) and the Islamic Art Museum, Malaysia (Islamic Art Museum Malaysia, ed. Fong Peng Khuan, 2002, pp.248-9).