SAFAVID IRAN, 17TH CENTURY

The star and cross design goes back in the repertoire of earlier Persian decorative motifs, particularly that of 13th century tiles which covered the walls of buildings. One such panel, of lajvardina tiles from the North Octagon of the Takht-i Sulayman (circa 1270 AD), indicates that the floral crosses here may have consciously copied the Ilkhanid models as they are very similar in composition (see Linda Komaroff and Stefano Carboni (eds.), The Legacy of Genghis Khan. Courtly Art and Culture in Western Asia, 1256-1353, New York, 2002, figs. 204 and 205, pp.175-76). Calligraphic stars are also found combined with separate floral motifs on a contemporaneous silk textile, attributed either 17th century Turkey or Iran (Sotheby's London, 17 October 1984, lot 280). A panel from the same textile was sold in these Rooms, 8 April 2008, lot 204.