SAFAVID IRAN, CIRCA 1700

Details

A SILK BROCADE PANEL
SAFAVID IRAN, CIRCA 1700
The blue ground with offset flowering bushes, each with a perching singing bird, and backed, wear to the outer border textile
Central field 15 ¼ x 24 3/8in. (38.7 x 62cm.); overall 26 3⁄8 x 33 7/8in. (67 x 86cm.)

Provenance

Acquired by the present owner from Colnaghi Oriental, 1984

Further details

Some countries prohibit or restrict the purchase and/or import of Iranian-origin property. Bidders must familiarise themselves with any laws or shipping restrictions that apply to them before bidding. For example, the USA prohibits dealings in and import of Iranian-origin “works of conventional craftsmanship” (such as carpets, textiles, decorative objects, and scientific instruments) without an appropriate licence. Christie’s has a general OFAC licence which, subject to compliance with certain conditions, would enable a buyer to import this type of lot into the USA. If you intend to use Christie’s licence, please contact us for further information before you bid.

Conditions of sale

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Lot Essay

The motif of a bird perching in a rosebush was a popular one in Safavid textile production continuing into the 19th century. The popularity was largely due to the paintings of court artist Shafi’ Abbasi (1633-1674) whose portrayals of birds and flowers were translated into silk inspiring many variations of the theme. A larger panel of the same design is in the Farjam Collection (Sheila Canby and Venetia Porter (eds.), Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Farjam Collection, volume 2, London, 2024, pp. 318, no.154).

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