A MONUMENTAL ROYAL SELJUK CARVED STUCCO PANEL
A MONUMENTAL ROYAL SELJUK CARVED STUCCO PANEL

IRAN, 12TH CENTURY

Details
A MONUMENTAL ROYAL SELJUK CARVED STUCCO PANEL
IRAN, 12TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form, the deeply carved decoration arranged with a main register bordered by two narrow bands of meandering palmette scrolls above and below, the main register with a four large eight-pointed stars formed by interlocking strapwork bands, two with a variety of palmettes in a large swaying scroll, the other two with a large figural scene, the interlocking bands bordering smaller scenes above and below, above a succession of scenes of courtly pleasure centrered around an enthroned prince and flanked by an inscription in plaited kufic reading al-sa'ada (happiness), below five scenes related to royal protocol, the background deeply carved with a lattice of small six-pointed stars, the top band with a frieze of triangular palmettes, the scenes can be described as follow

In the left star, two seated figures around a cypress tree, one with elaborate headdress wearing a robe with tiraz bands
In the right star, two seated figures
In the upper and lower bands, clockwise from top left: below the kufic inscription a single standing figure bearing a mace, four seated figures drinking and enjoying music from a tambourine player seated below, an enthroned prince surrounded by attendants, each wearing a specific attribute, two seated figures enjoying music from three harp, violin and tambourine players, below the kufic inscription a single standing figure, an important official, possibly the hajib, chasing a man away with his stick and for whom a kneeling woman seems to be intercessing, the hajib flanked by attendants, two standing figures around a cypress tree flanked by further attendants, the hajib flanked by court officials including the mace bearer, the napkin bearer (master of robes) and one bearing a hare, three figures prostrating in front of the hajib
5ft. x 11ft. 4in. (152 x 344cm.)
Provenance
M. & R. Stora, Paris
From whom purchased by the grandfather of the present owner

Brought to you by

Romain Pingannaud
Romain Pingannaud

More from Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds

View All
View All