A FINE SAFAVID PIERCED STEEL STANDARD ('alam), the steel sheet rising from a drop form and tapering through a very tall panel to the cusped pointed terminal, associated plume holder and candle supports, the base enclosed within heavy brass spirally fluted arms terminating in everted dragons' heads with widely flaring serrated mouths, the lower panel pierced with an elegant naskh inscription on a ground of delicate scrolling vine, dated below 1097 (1685-6 AD), a similar small trefoil panel above, the upper shaft with a fine interlace formed of scrolling tendrils with split palmette terminals, the upper panel again with an inscription on scrolling vine ground with lower split palmette terminals, on steel cylindrical shaft with upper boss and screw thread below, 17th century (one minute repair)

Details
A FINE SAFAVID PIERCED STEEL STANDARD ('alam), the steel sheet rising from a drop form and tapering through a very tall panel to the cusped pointed terminal, associated plume holder and candle supports, the base enclosed within heavy brass spirally fluted arms terminating in everted dragons' heads with widely flaring serrated mouths, the lower panel pierced with an elegant naskh inscription on a ground of delicate scrolling vine, dated below 1097 (1685-6 AD), a similar small trefoil panel above, the upper shaft with a fine interlace formed of scrolling tendrils with split palmette terminals, the upper panel again with an inscription on scrolling vine ground with lower split palmette terminals, on steel cylindrical shaft with upper boss and screw thread below, 17th century (one minute repair)
54in. (137.2cm.) high

Lot Essay

This standard has three inscriptions. That in the top medallion translates 'He is God; Glory be to Him'. The basal large medallion is inscribed 'God, light of the heaven and the earth', while the smaller cartouche above it has the invocation 'O Victorious one'.

The metal of this standard was very carefully prepared before the piercing began. Not only does the thickness taper towards the sides, but there is also a gradual reduction in thickness as the height increases.
This type of standard was purely for ceremonial use. While the form probably originated as a military banner, the size and delicacy of this example makes sharp movements inadvisable. Such banners were (and are still) used in Persia, carried on the top of a pole during the tribute procession to the martyrdom of Hasan and Husayn which takes place during the month of Muharram.

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