Islamic Works of Art
An Important Silver and Copper Inlaid Brass Ewer
Probably Khorasan, North East Iran, circa 1200-1220; 13 7/8in. (35.3cm.)
On short splayed foot with a stylised k.ufic inscription, the faceted drum-shaped body decorated with two bands of stylised kufic and naskh surrounding a band of roundels depicting the signs of the zodiac, the shoulder decorated with a band of chasing hares beneath a further inscription in stylised naskh with human head terminals, the narrow neck with similar inscriptions and scrolls, each side with a pronounced tiger boss and one further to the spout, a small loss to the body, majority of silver inlay remaining.
A beautiful and highly decorated ewer, the video focuses on the Zodiac figures around the body of the ewer, the running animals around the shoulder panels and the tiger bosses on the sides of the neck and spout.
We used soft lighting to highlight the large amount of remaining silver and copper inlay , leaving one side in slight shadow to draw the eye to the brighter side where the exquisite detail can be clearly seen.
Estimate £300,000 - 500,000. Price realised £375,000.
Sold by Christie’s in October 2021, London.
A Magnificent Enamelled Flintlock Rifle (Jezail)
Made for Mir' Ali Murad Khan Talpur, the ruler of Khayrpur, Sind, North India, 1823-33 AD, the barrel Sind, last quarter of the 18th - first quarter of the 19th century; the gold fittings Sind, second quarter of the 19th century; the lock European, probably English, early 19th century.
The octagonal pattern-welded steel barrel with thick gold damascened rococo designs at each end, also damascened by the lock with the name of the patron, set in a wooden stock with broad curved and widening butt, mounted with a number of matching enamelled gold panels and retaining bands, the English lock with gold-inlaid decoration signed J.J. Wilkinson, gold decorated fitted ramrod, lower butt mount, upper butt mount and pin socket with polychrome enamel, in fitted case.
This highly decorated rifle was a joy to film as there were so many areas of fine detail. Using the camera inverted, underslung under a motorised slider allowed me to create long controlled passes across the various parts of the rifle to highlight the amazing workmanship and fantastic condition.
Estimate £100,000 - £150,000. Price realised £163,800
Sold by Christie’s in October 2022, London.
An Arab Silver and Gold-Inlaid Brass Candlestick
Mosul, Iraq, first third 14th century
The body decorated with three cartouches with thuluth inscription on scrolling ground, divided by roundels containing figures riding camels, a band of stylised leaf-motifs above and below, the shoulder decorated with scrolling arabesque interspersed with roundels with interlaced geometric motif, the neck with stylised palmettes in roundels on an interlaced geometric ground, some deliberate rubbing to figural roundels, traces of inlay remaining.
Estimate £100,000 – £150,000. Price realised £1,462,500
Sold by Christie’s in October 2020, London.
A Gold Finial from the Throne of Tipu Sultan (r. 1782-99)
The finial Mysore, Deccan, circa 1787-1797; the plinth circa 1800. In the form of a tiger's head, covered with engraved gold and set with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, with original metal spike to base, the marble stand with gilt metal fittings.
As recorded by the historian 'Ali Kirmani, Tipu gave orders for a grand throne to be made in 1787 (Kirmani, The History of the Reign of Tipu Sultan being a Continuation of the Neshan Hyduri, London, 1864, p.145). This came after sending an embassy to the Caliph in Rum, Turkey, to apply for permission to declare himself Padshah in the manner of the Mughals, thus legitimising his rule. Doubtless Tipu Sultan would have been aware of Shah Jahan’s magnificent peacock throne that was taken from Delhi by Nadir Shah in 1739. His throne was part of a desire to rival it as an expression of Mysore’s independence rather than a Mughal vassal. A vast throne-mounting ceremony was planned amidst great festivities and an order was even issued in Mysore for the delaying of marriages such that 12,000 could be simultaneously carried out on the day. However, no account of the day itself is known suggesting that it never occurred, perhaps due to the outbreak of the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1790.
Estimate £300,000 – £500,000. Price realised £1,855,000
Sold by Christie’s in April 2023, London.
A Silver and Partial Gilt Durbar Set
Mughal India, mid 18th century. Comprising two lidded pandan boxes with stands, three rosewater sprinklers with stands, three perfume stands, a basin and stand, a salver, a hookah bowl, cover, and lid, and three perfume stands, all in silver with tear-drop gilt motifs.
A very enjoyable video to make of this wonderful group, I approached illustrating the Clive Durbar by attempting to fill the frame as much as possible to show the many pieces and fantastic condition of the set, making several different arrangements gave the opportunity of showcasing individual pieces. Beginning and ending on pulled back shots gives the viewer a sense of the volume of pieces in the group.
Estimate £250,000 – £350,000. Price realised £327,600
Sold by Christie’s in April 2023, London.