MADE FOR AQA ZIYA' AL-MULK, SIGNED GHULAM REZA [AL-IMAMI], QAJAR IRAN, DATED AH 13(0)3/1885-86 AD

Details

A LACQUER PÂPIER MÂCHÉ LACQUER PENBOX (QALAMDAN)
MADE FOR AQA ZIYA' AL-MULK, SIGNED GHULAM REZA [AL-IMAMI], QAJAR IRAN, DATED AH 13(0)3/1885-86 AD
Of typical form with rounded ends and sliding tray, the top and sides decorated in polychrome with elegant gul-o-bulbul motif on glitter ground, top with the signature and date in small naskh, the underside and sides of the tray with gold vine inhabited by birds on a red ground, overall good condition
9 5/8in. (24.4cm.) long

Literature

M.A.Karimzadeh Tabrizi, The Lives and Art of Old Painters of Iran, vol. I, London, 1985, pp.410-411

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Brought to you by

Andrew Butler-Wheelhouse

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

abutler-wheelhouse@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2196

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Ghulam Reza al-Imami was a painter particularly in favour with the Qajar court. In AH 1283/1866-67 AD he was commissioned by the Iranian government to paint what was to become his most celebrated work, a mirror case that was exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867. The mirror case was later purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum, and is said to be the finest example of book-binder’s lacquer in the museum’s collection (Nasser D. Khalili, B.W.Robinson and Tim Stanley, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands, Part Two, London, 1997, p.90).

More from Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds

View All