IRAN OR CENTRAL ASIA, 1350-1425

This exceptional silk panel is the only known example of its kind. The chinoiserie motif of a crane reserved against a cloud demonstrates the close relationship between Chinese and early Islamic textile production. However, the arrangement here of the motif repeated in staggered rows is typical of textile production in Iran and Central Asia rather than the arrangement of motifs on Chinese textiles from the 13th century whereby the motifs revolve around a central hub. Although Timurid painting demonstrates the prominent role of opulent textiles in court life, very few have survived to today. A textile with offset rows of gold birds is found in a painting of Baysunghur attributed to mid-15th century Timurid Herat, sold in these Rooms 27 April 2023. For a full report on this textile written by Dr. Marian Wenzel refer to the catalogue for Sotheby's, 9 April 2008, lot 360.