A RARE AND important MANUSCRIPT OF the KHAMSAS OF NIZAMI LEADS CHRISTIE’S ART OF THE ISLAMIC AND INDIAN WORLDS AUCTION
LONDON – Christie’s announces the bi-annual Spring sale of Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds including Rugs and Carpets, a live auction at Christie’s London headquarters on 25 April. This season the sale offers a curated selection of 261 lots including four unique collections. Works include paintings, ceramics, metal work, works on paper, arms, textiles and rugs and carpets from across the Islamic world, spanning the Silk Route linking China to the West. Illustrating the breadth of craftsmanship across 10 centuries, works date from the 10th century to the 20th century and cover a diversity of artistic traditions.
ART OF THE ISLAMIC AND INDIAN WORLDS HIGHLIGHTS
(Illustrated above left), A rare and complete illustrated manuscript copy of the Khamsa of Nizami (d.1209) together with the Khamsa of Amir Khusraw Dihlavi (d.1325). This splendid manuscript copy of the two Khamsas is an outstanding example of Safavid manuscript production in the first half of the 17th century. Dated AH1033/14 September 1624 AD and 1035/15 July 1626 AD. (Estimate £500,000-700,000 / US$640,000-890,000).
(Illustrated right), An exceptionally rare, large Safavid figural velvet panel, first third 17th century Iran. (Estimate £400,000-600,000 / US$510,000-760,000). Armenian Christiansplayed a vital role in the Safavid silk trade, with the primary trade route leading from the southern Caspian coast, where silks were produced, via Armenian towns such as Julfa, to the Black Sea coast, where they were shipped to Europe. This example is among the finest Safavid velvets and an early example of an industry that flourished in the 17th century.
(Illustrated below left), A Watercolour Album depicting a selection of known prestigious and rare Iznik ceramics from the Louis Houth collection signed by Alan Barlow, who was also a collector in this field, U.K. circa 1900. The album comprises forty-four single and double-page watercolour paintings of Iznik bowls, flasks, ewers and dishes. Nearly all the Iznik vessels painted in the album are now in some of the most prestigious institutions around the world including the British Museum and the V&A. (Estimate £20,000-30,000 / US$26,000-38,000). (Illustrated below right), The Elephant Mawla Bakhsh, a 'Fraser Album' artist, Delhi, North India, 1815-19). (Estimate £180,000-220,000 / US$230,000-280,000). The 'Fraser Album' is a collection considered to comprise some of the most important paintings in the Company School style, painted in India by artists in the 19th century, commissioned by British patrons.
Sara Plumbly, Head of Department, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds comments, ‘We are delighted to offer a wide variety of works of art from across the Islamic and Indian worlds this season. We are particularly excited about three Islamic private collections, all with long provenance, that highlight the breadth and diversity of the artistic traditions of Iran – from Safavid textiles and painting to medieval pottery. The fabulous Khamsa of Nizami meanwhile is a demonstration of the absolute height of manuscript production in the early 17th century’.
RUGS AND CARPETS
The sale includes over 100 rare and collectible rugs and carpets, with examples spanning the silk route from the oasis towns in western China to the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Leading the sale (illustrated on page 1) is a Rare Mughal Silk Rug, The Deccan, South India, Early 18th century of 'Flower in Lattice' design, (Estimate £120,000-160,000 / US$160,000-200,000).
A highlight collection of the sale is ‘Sultans of Silk’, with more than 40 finely woven silk carpets being offered. George Farrow (1916-2001) was a British collector whose passion for silk rugs led to an expansive collection, many of which were published and permanently displayed in a private museum within his home in Jersey, Channel Islands. The collection comprises a variety of silk weavings from different origins while focusing particularly on the fine Koum Kapi Turkish weavings produced in the workshops of the Armenian master weavers, Hagop Kapoudjian (d.1938) and Zareh Penyamin (d.1949) at the turn of the 20th century. Their workshops were located in the Koum Kapi (Sand Gate) area of Istanbul, set within the city walls in the shadows of the seat of the Ottoman Sultans in the Top Kapi Palace from where they take their name.
'Sultans of Silk’ includes (illustrated below left) an impressive silk and metal-thread Koum Kapi prayer rug, signed by the master weaver Zareh Penyamin, circa 1920. (Estimate £50,000-£70,000 / US$ 64,000-89,000). (Illustrated centre) A striking silk and metal-thread Hagop Kapoudjian rug of Safavid inspired design, circa 1920, (estimate £20,000-30,000 / US$26,000-38,000) and (illustrated right), a beautifully preserved, silk Yarkand carpet East Turkestan, first half 19th century of 'Pomegranate' design. (Estimate £25,000-35,000 / US$32,000-45,000).
Louise Broadhurst, International Head of Rugs and Carpets comments, “Christie’s is honoured to offer the collection of George Farrow, whose passion for antique silk rugs is reflected in the illuminating breadth of examples gathered over four decades, which include highlights rarely seen on today’s market”.
Further Highlights from the various owner sale: Rugs and carpets from further private collections in the sale include, a rare Mughal Deccan silk rug, South India, early 18th century, formerly in the collection of Senator William A. Clark in 1910, who gifted it to the Corcoran Museum of Art, Washington. (Estimate £120,000-160,000 / US$160,000-200,000). A rare silk Kashgar rug, East Turkestan, mid-18th century, woven in the oasis town of Kashgar in the Tarim Basin, it is one of only seven known examples to survive. (Estimate £40,000-60,000 / US$52,000-77,000). An extremely rare Ottoman Ushak Medallion Court carpet, Ottoman Turkey, woven between 1475 and 1485 for Sultan Mehmed II Fatih (1432-1481). (Estimate £80,000-120,000 / US$110,000-150,000).
The Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds including Rugs and Carpets view is open to the public from 21 – 24 April at Christie’s, King Street, London.
To view the sale online please click here
