Mughal India, possibly Jaipur

Christie’s, London, 13 October 2004, Lot 46

Overall measurements; 100cm across the top, 102cm across the bottom, 132cm the left hand side, 132cm the right hand side. Mounted, 139 by 109cm. Comprising five joined sections, the left hand strip made of three pieces. Appears to be original construction. Overall fading and cracking to the gilt, as visible from photograph, with some dark marks possibly through rubbing as can be seen in the lower left and right corners, also the top right corner. The velvet pile rubbed, with some holes examples of which can be seen in the upper end, centre left, and to the field lower right corner. Some thinning and rubbing in other areas. First hand inspection is advised and further photographs can be requested via the department. A rare surviving example of a fragile textile from the Mughal Empire. The gold detailing was achieved by covering parts of the ground with an adhesive, before pressing gold leaf hard into the surface and burnishing.
"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."

There is a directly comparable five niche Floral Tent Panel, circa 1635, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Acc.No. 1981.321), worked in the same technique on velvet, which has narrow relief strips across the top and bottom with an alternating design of a cypress tree and flowering shrub. There is a very similar single niche panel, probably Jaipur (possibly Rajasthan), catalogued as 18th century (184 by 138cm) in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (IM.30-1936).

For discussion of Mughal tent furnishings, see Guy, John and Swallow, Deborah, Arts of India 1550-1900, V&A Publications, London, 1990, p. 75; where it is noted that ‘When the court travelled, a vast city of tents would be created for each evening’s halt...The whole collection had to be duplicated so that one set could always be sent on ahead and erected to await the arrival of the emperor and his followers.’

For a pair of double niche Qanat tent panels in this sale, see lot 186. See also lot 162 for a print, Bleeding, possibly inspired by this textile niche panel.