Lot 118
- 118
A MERINID MONUMENTAL CARVED CALLIGRAPHIC WOOD PANEL, NORTH AFRICA, MOROCCO, 14TH CENTURY |
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- 272.8 by 18.5cm.
carved throughout with Kufic script within a cartouche decorated with palmettes
Condition
In generally good condition, abrasions and minor losses to the wood, 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
inscription Repetition of three words, undeciphered.
Combining a mix of floral and epigraphical elements, this wood panel is an example of the fine woodcarving that characterised the Merinid dynasty. The Merinid dynasty overthrew the Almohads in the late thirteenth-century and their carving of wood panels can be seen as an extension of a tradition begun by the previous dynasty. In a pleasing contrast to the square Kufic inscription, each calligraphic section surrounds a floral motif. This example can be compared to numerous other fourteenth-century wood panels from both North Africa and Spain, an example of which was sold in these rooms, 5 April 2006, lot 117. It depicted stylised Kufic letters with foliage encased in arches. Unlike that panel, whose focus was on the architectural shapes, the present panel seems centred on the calligraphic elements - the Kufic inscription takes the place of the architecture and is used to separate the sections.
Combining a mix of floral and epigraphical elements, this wood panel is an example of the fine woodcarving that characterised the Merinid dynasty. The Merinid dynasty overthrew the Almohads in the late thirteenth-century and their carving of wood panels can be seen as an extension of a tradition begun by the previous dynasty. In a pleasing contrast to the square Kufic inscription, each calligraphic section surrounds a floral motif. This example can be compared to numerous other fourteenth-century wood panels from both North Africa and Spain, an example of which was sold in these rooms, 5 April 2006, lot 117. It depicted stylised Kufic letters with foliage encased in arches. Unlike that panel, whose focus was on the architectural shapes, the present panel seems centred on the calligraphic elements - the Kufic inscription takes the place of the architecture and is used to separate the sections.