13th Nov, 2024 11:00
Indian, Islamic, Himalayan and South-East Asian Art
16
FATH-'ALI SABA KASHANI (D. 1823-4), KHUDAVAND-NAMA, PERSIA, DATED 1844-5 A.D.
copied by Fath-'Ali Shah Munshi, a manuscript in Persian, with an elaborate head piece formed of a cusped arch, formal arabesques and floral motifs in gold, red and blue, the text composed of 27 lines of fine nasta'liq in black and red elements within interstitial meanders of gold and gold, blue and red ruled margins, further calligraphic marginal elements throughout, approximately 230 ff., the lacquered papier mache binding with elaborate floral sprays within borders of floral scrolls, the doublures each painted with a design of a single floral design, cloth-lined box, folio 29.7 x 18.8 cm., text 21.9 x 11.8 cm.
The colophon states that the manuscript was copied by Fath-‘Ali Shah Munshi ibn al-hajj isma ‘il Khan al-Shaqqani and gives the date of A.H. 1260 (1844-5 A.D).
Fath-‘Ali Saba Kashani was the poet laureate (malik al-shu‘ara) of Fath-‘Ali Shah Qajar. Born in c. 1179 (1765-6) in Kashan, he is said to have written poems in praise of Lutf- ‘Ali Khan Zand. He was created poet laureate on the accession of Fath-‘Ali Shah Qajar. His most famous work is the Shahanshah-nama, a versified account of events of Fath-‘Ali Shah’s reign, in particular Abbas Mirza’s campaigns against the Russians. He died in 1238 (1823-4). The Khudavand-nama is a versified account of the miracles of the Prophet and of the courageous deeds of Imam ‘Ali.
A note with a seal impression, probably late 19th century, says that this was inherited by the owner from his mother Shahzada Khanum. The name on the seal impression is a certain Muhammad Quli son of ‘Ali-Naqi.
An an old French auction catalogue description of the manuscript is applied to the fly leaf.
Sold for £1,300
copied by Fath-'Ali Shah Munshi, a manuscript in Persian, with an elaborate head piece formed of a cusped arch, formal arabesques and floral motifs in gold, red and blue, the text composed of 27 lines of fine nasta'liq in black and red elements within interstitial meanders of gold and gold, blue and red ruled margins, further calligraphic marginal elements throughout, approximately 230 ff., the lacquered papier mache binding with elaborate floral sprays within borders of floral scrolls, the doublures each painted with a design of a single floral design, cloth-lined box, folio 29.7 x 18.8 cm., text 21.9 x 11.8 cm.
Auction: Indian, Islamic, Himalayan and South-East Asian Art, 13th Nov, 2024
The auction includes a selection of Islamic tiles and early pottery and a wide range of bronze images and early Indian stone sculptures, paintings and textiles from India and South-East Asia. Highlights include an interesting group of early Thai bronze images of Buddha, an important Kashan ’silhouette ware’ turquoise pottery ewer, and a spectacular pair of silver bottles in the so called ‘coriander pattern’ from Lucknow. There is also an important group of Islamic manuscripts.
Contact Arthur Millner or Nicholas Shaw for enquiries
arthur.millner@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0) 20 7806 5541
nicholas.shaw@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0) 20 7806 5541
Viewing days:
10th November 2024 12:00 - 4:00pm
11th November 2024 10:00am - 8:00pm
12th November 2024 10:00am - 5:00pm
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