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Lot 187
  • 187

A fine ivory-hilted watered-steel sword (shamshir) ascribed to Fath 'Ali Shah, signed by Salman 'Ali Isfahani, Qajar, Persia, late 18th century/early 19th century

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • ivory, steel, gold
the curved, single-edged, tapering watered-steel blade with inlaid gold dedicatory cartouches on the forte written in nasta'liq script, maker's name, the hilt with cusped ivory grips and silver-gilt pommel, side-straps and cross-guard

Condition

In generally good condition, the blade with some oxidisation and discoloration, minor losses of gold-inlay to inscriptions, the gilding on cross-guard virtually all rubbed off as consistent with age and use, minor scratches to pommel and cross-guard, hairline cracks in ivory and some discoloration, 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."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions:
‘The servant of the King of Trusteeship, ‘Abbas’
‘al-Sultan Abu’l-Sayf Fath ’Ali Shah Qajar’
signed: ‘Work of Salman ‘Ali Isfahani’  or ‘Salman [son of] ‘Ali Isfahani’

This sword belongs to a select group made in the court atelier at Isfahan and dedicated to Fath 'Ali Shah (r.1797-1834). The inscriptions are generally executed in fine inlaid nasta'liq within cartouches formed from stylised recurring leaves giving the semblance of ascending flames. For further references see Chabouillet, Description des Antiquites et objets d’art composant le cabinet de Louis Fould, Paris, 1861. Other related swords were sold in these rooms, 8 October 2014, lot 235; 22 April 2005, lot 2015, as well as Christie's, 9 October 2014, lot 56.