A PERSIAN KHATAMKAR GAMES BOARD, the upper surface with a chessboard comprising black squares with a hexagonal lattice alternating with white squares with a similar stellar motif, in a similar border, plain dark wood surround, the reverse with a large stellar interlaced design comprising panels of different types of hexagonal lattices, the sides moulded with semi-circular recesses for backgammon, the border with similar inlay, the external sides with further similar decoration, 17th century or later (very slight damage, minute repairs, otherwise excellent condition)

Details

A PERSIAN KHATAMKAR GAMES BOARD, the upper surface with a chessboard comprising black squares with a hexagonal lattice alternating with white squares with a similar stellar motif, in a similar border, plain dark wood surround, the reverse with a large stellar interlaced design comprising panels of different types of hexagonal lattices, the sides moulded with semi-circular recesses for backgammon, the border with similar inlay, the external sides with further similar decoration, 17th century or later (very slight damage, minute repairs, otherwise excellent condition)
15½in. (39.5cm.) square

Lot Essay

Marquetry mosaic (khatam kar) consists of minute polygons of wood, ivory and brass. The polygonal elements, known as beads, are formed of rods, triangular in section, which are glued together and then sliced. The beads are then fixed to the wooden object intended for decoration. The technique is said to have been practiced in the fourteenth century; the craft was certainly well-established in Isfahan and Shiraz during the Safavid period. The art declined under the Qajars, only to be revived under the personal patronage of Reza Shah who employed the Golriz family of Shiraz in the decoration of the Marble Palace, Teheran. For further details see Honarfa, L.: Woodwork, khatamkar' in Gluck,J. (ed.): A Survey of Persian Handicraft, Teheran 1977

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