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London | +44 (0)20 7293 6000 |Sarah Rustin | Sarah.Rustin@Sothebys.com Rosamund Chester |Rosamund.Chester@sothebys.com
Exquisite and Precious Objects Exemplifying 1,400 years of the Artistic Traditions of the Muslim World To be auctioned at Sothebys London, 9 October 2013
Four Young Scholars in Discussion, signed by Muhammad Murad Samarqandi, Persia, Safavid, Bukhara early 17th century (est.400,000-600,000)
On 9 October 2013, Sothebys London will offer exquisite objects exemplifying the broad artistic traditions of the Muslim world in two dedicated auctions, 'Arts of the Islamic World' and 'Art of Imperial India'. A total of 281 exceptional objects including works relating to Tipu Sultan, property from the collection of Xavier Guerrand-Herms, and rare paintings, ceramics, metalwork, and weapons, will be presented for sale - providing fascinating insights into Muslim history and culture, encompassing almost 1,400 years of every kind of decorative art produced in lands under Islamic patronage from Spain to India.
Benedict Carter, Director, Head of Auction Sales Middle East, said: This seasons auctions will include works of museum quality, rarity and beauty spanning nearly 1,400 years, some of which are among only a handful left in existence. With this diversity we have already attracted a great deal of international interest. Sothebys will also be introducing its firstever sale of Art of Imperial India this autumn , following the success of previous sales of Indian Art including the record sales of Stuart Cary Welchs collection in April and May 2011
The sale will also open with 42 lots from the esteemed Collection of Xavier Guerrand-Herms. The works, including rare ceramics, metal ware and miniatures will be sold to benefit the Guerrand-Herms Foundation for Peace. Established in 1996 with an aim to effect change in the world, the foundation conducts research in order to change perceptions, promotes inter-religious dialogue for peace and seeks innovative solutions to problems of poverty and injustice. A further 132 lots from the collection will be offered at Sothebys Paris on 18 November 2013.
A Kashan blue and white footed th bowl, Persia, 13 century, est. 30,000-50,000
A rare blue and white Iznik dish, Turkey,circa 1535-40, est. 60,000-80,000
An illustrated and illuminated leaf from The Siyar-I-Nabi of Mustafa Dharir, copied by Mustafa Bin Vali, Turkey, 1594-95, est. 50,000-70,000
The Arts of Imperial India auction will comprise 11 works relating to Tipu Sultan (17501799), including weaponry, prints, watercolours and portraits. Highlights include a Tipu Sultan sword fitted with a captured English blade, taken as booty during the storming of the fortress of Seringapatam by the British in May 1799. Decorated with Tipus personal emblem, the bubri, or tiger-stripe motif, it is estimated at est. 80,000-120,000 (pictured left). A further highlight is an 11-bore silver-mounted flintlock duck gun from the personal armoury of Tipu Sultan, signed Sayyid Masum, Patam, dated Mawludi year 1218 (1789-90), est. 80,000-100,000.
A jewelled brooch formerly in the collection of the Duchess of Windsor An enamelled gold turban ornament in the form of a parrot (turra), North India, th 19 Century, est. 8,000-12,000
Miniatures
The Adoration of Rama and Sita, Pahari, Kangra or Mandi, circa 1830-40, est. 100,000-150,000 One of the most remarkable of late Pahari paintings, this monumental work depicts Rama and Sita enthroned, adored by gods, semi-divine beings, ascetics and mortals. A very elaborate composition, executed with great skill and extremely fine detail, it was probably executed as a private commission by a patron, perhaps to mark the occasion of the coronation of a prince.
The Rich Man and Lazarus: a Mughal drawing after an engraving by Jan Sadeler of Jacopo Bassans painting Indian, early 17th century, est. 10,000-15,000 The copying of European prints by Mughal artists was a popular trend in the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and it was actively patronised by Mughal emperors and other patrons. This particular drawing, after an engraving by Jan Sadeler of Jacopo Bassanos painting, depicts the story of the rich man (called Dives) and Lazarus from the Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 16, verses 19-31. It was no doubt among the numerous prints of Biblical subjects taken to India by Jesuit missionaries and other European travellers, diplomats and merchants in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century.
A portrait of a nobleman with a dog, attributable to a follower of Farrukh Beg, possibly Muhammad Ali, Mughal, early 17th century, 60,000-80,000 This is an important and rare painting close in style to the work of the well-known Perso-Mughal-Deccani artist Farrukh Beg, and is possibly by the artist Muhammad Ali, a close follower of Farrukh Beg who was active at the Mughal court in the early years of the seventeenth century. The composition of a princely youth standing or seated in front of blossoming trees was a popular one in Persian and Mughal painting of this period.
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