PROBABLY ANATOLIA, 13TH CENTURY

Details

A CARVED WHITE CALCITE ANCHOR SHAPED WEIGHT
Probably Anatolia, 13th century
Of horseshoe form with central bar, the flat frontal surface carved with a naskh inscription in the name of the patron within a plain band border, occasional traces of red pigment, otherwise plain, surface slightly rubbed
16in. (40.5cm.) high

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The inscription can be translated: "Nasir al-Din Muhammad has lifted religion, ..... he has slept in heavens and heart-ravishing ...."

Two more elaborate but very similar anchor shaped weights were sold in these Rooms 10 October 2000, lot 318. The footnote to those discussed in greater detail the origin and possible use of these unusual objects, suggesting they were for tethering animals. The present inscription indicates that it is more probable that they were used for tethering the guy-ropes of tents on inhospitable ground, to ensure that the prince slept with uninterrupted dreams!

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