NORTH INDIA, SECOND HALF 17TH CENTURY

Details

A MUGHAL POLYCHROME LACQUER PAPIER MACHE BOOKCOVER
NORTH INDIA, SECOND HALF 17TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form, the face with deep olive green ground painted with delicate flowering sprays and scrolling strapwork forming panels around a central oval panel containing a single large floral spray, the spandrels formed by quarter flowerheads, in a deep red border of golden flowering vine around gold cartouches each containing simple red floral designs, between simple bands, the interior with delicate golden lily flowers alternating with similar stylised willow trees on a speckled light brown ground, in a similar meandering floral border, very slight damages to edges, restoration to border on interior only
10 3/8 x 5 5/8in. (26.3 x 14.1cm.)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Lacquer bookcovers were an introduction to the Indian courts from Iran. Most surviving Indian bookcovers demonstrate this link very clearly in their design, such as one sold in these Rooms 27 September 2001, lot 107. The present lot, in contrast, uses a classic Indian floral lattice composition that is found frequently on album leaves, but is very rare indeed on a cover.

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