- 194
An Indo-Persian enamelled sword and scabbard with watered-steel blade, signed by Kalb 'Ali, Persia, dated 1081 AH/1670 AD, and India, 18th century
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- steel and silver enamel
the curved watered-steel blade with straight edge, the silver-gilt hilt with the pommel and quillons each in the form of a ram's head, densely decorated in champlevé translucent and opaque enamels with floral panels delineated by bands with fish or duck against a green background
Condition
In overall good condition, some rubbing to surface consistent with age, 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
‘Work of Kalb ‘Ali Isfahani’
In the square: the talismanic word: buduh
Profusely decorated with colourful enamelwork throughout, this courtly weapon demonstrates both the artistry of a great enameller and the skill of a master blade-maker. The type of enamelling, with a palette of dark blue, light blue, emerald-green, aubergine, and dabs of orange and yellow, with consistent divisions in the design and careful inclusion of animal motifs follows the school of enamelling associated with Lucknow in Northern India.
Manuel Keene has also argued that this school of enamelling was developed from European prototypes in the early seventeenth century, probably in Hyderabad, under patronage of the Deccani sultans. A sword in the Wallace Collection, inv. no. OA1397, which is from the same group of swords as the present example, has dense enamelled designs of flora and fauna in a broad palette with pommels and quillons in the form of various beasts. Two further swords in the Wallace Collection from this group also feature rams' head terminals such as on the present sword (invs. no. OA1398 and OA1399).
‘Work of Kalb ‘Ali Isfahani’
In the square: the talismanic word: buduh
Profusely decorated with colourful enamelwork throughout, this courtly weapon demonstrates both the artistry of a great enameller and the skill of a master blade-maker. The type of enamelling, with a palette of dark blue, light blue, emerald-green, aubergine, and dabs of orange and yellow, with consistent divisions in the design and careful inclusion of animal motifs follows the school of enamelling associated with Lucknow in Northern India.
Manuel Keene has also argued that this school of enamelling was developed from European prototypes in the early seventeenth century, probably in Hyderabad, under patronage of the Deccani sultans. A sword in the Wallace Collection, inv. no. OA1397, which is from the same group of swords as the present example, has dense enamelled designs of flora and fauna in a broad palette with pommels and quillons in the form of various beasts. Two further swords in the Wallace Collection from this group also feature rams' head terminals such as on the present sword (invs. no. OA1398 and OA1399).