A SELJUK CARVED IVORY HEAD

Details

A SELJUK CARVED IVORY HEAD
12TH CENTURY

The head with the typical Mongol 'moon' face, the hair parted centrally, extending below for inclusion in a larger figure, some damage and splitting, perspex stand
3 1/8in. (8cm.) high

Lot Essay

The features of this face relate closely to those found on a group of life-size stucco reliefs at Rayy. Both have the classic 'moon' face and almond eyes representing the classic canons of beauty mentioned in Persian literature of the period. For details of the stucco figures see Riefstahl, R.M.: 'Persian Islamic Sculptures', Art Bulletin, vol.XIII, pp.439-463.

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