A FINE SAFAVID LACQUER WOODEN QALAMDAN of rectangular form with sliding cover on stepped base with short feet, the cover painted directly onto the wooden surface in the style of Reza 'Abbasi with a vertical composition of floral sprays around a group of courtiers relaxing with wine, a figure above aims his arrow at another man climbing a large tree who in turn has a snake appearing from under his jacket, birds above, the sides similarly painted directly onto the wood with gold lines enhancing the grain around a central black palmette medallion with similar spandrels and pendants, the borders similar, first half 17th century (slight damage to painting) | Christie's

Lot 175

175

A FINE SAFAVID LACQUER WOODEN QALAMDAN of rectangular form with sliding cover on stepped base with short feet, the cover painted directly onto the wooden surface in the style of Reza 'Abbasi with a vertical composition of floral sprays around a group of courtiers relaxing with wine, a figure above aims his arrow at another man climbing a large tree who in turn has a snake appearing from under his jacket, birds above, the sides similarly painted directly onto the wood with gold lines enhancing the grain around a central black palmette medallion with similar spandrels and pendants, the borders similar, first half 17th century (slight damage to painting)

Details

A FINE SAFAVID LACQUER WOODEN QALAMDAN of rectangular form with sliding cover on stepped base with short feet, the cover painted directly onto the wooden surface in the style of Reza 'Abbasi with a vertical composition of floral sprays around a group of courtiers relaxing with wine, a figure above aims his arrow at another man climbing a large tree who in turn has a snake appearing from under his jacket, birds above, the sides similarly painted directly onto the wood with gold lines enhancing the grain around a central black palmette medallion with similar spandrels and pendants, the borders similar, first half 17th century (slight damage to painting)
3 5/8 x 3 7/8 x 14¼in. (9.3 x 9.9 x 36.3cm.)

Lot Essay

Lacquer items made of wood are rare and those with the lacquer painted directly onto the wood are even more infrequently found. Here the technique heightens the effect with gold lines highlighting the grain of the wood.

More from Islamic

View All

View All