20th Jun, 2024 11:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
230
AN ENGRAVED CAST BRASS DIVIT PEN CASE WITH CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS
Armenia or Ottoman Eastern Provinces, second half 19th century
AN ENGRAVED CAST BRASS DIVIT PEN CASE WITH CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS
Armenia or Ottoman Eastern Provinces, second half 19th century
Of typical shape, comprising a narrow rectangular pen case compartment with rounded and curved terminals, attached to a faceted, bulbous inkwell on the front, the exterior engraved with a number of traditional Ottoman decorative motifs including knotwork bands, heart-shaped palmettes, and arabesque gridwork, on the neck of the pen case next to the inkwell an inscription in Armenian characters reading Ohanessian, possibly the name of the patron and owner, the curved terminals decorated with winged cherubs, and on the outer side of the pen case's body a drop-shaped cartouche in-filled with the Christian symbol of the pure Lamb of God, an allegory of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, suggesting the divit belonged to and was specifically commissioned by an Armenian Christian, stamped on the base of the inkwell with an Armenian mark, 4.5cm x 25.4cm.
Sold for £800
AN ENGRAVED CAST BRASS DIVIT PEN CASE WITH CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS
Armenia or Ottoman Eastern Provinces, second half 19th century
Of typical shape, comprising a narrow rectangular pen case compartment with rounded and curved terminals, attached to a faceted, bulbous inkwell on the front, the exterior engraved with a number of traditional Ottoman decorative motifs including knotwork bands, heart-shaped palmettes, and arabesque gridwork, on the neck of the pen case next to the inkwell an inscription in Armenian characters reading Ohanessian, possibly the name of the patron and owner, the curved terminals decorated with winged cherubs, and on the outer side of the pen case's body a drop-shaped cartouche in-filled with the Christian symbol of the pure Lamb of God, an allegory of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, suggesting the divit belonged to and was specifically commissioned by an Armenian Christian, stamped on the base of the inkwell with an Armenian mark, 4.5cm x 25.4cm.
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 20th Jun, 2024
After much anticipation, Azca Auctions is delighted to announce their inaugural sale, Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, taking place on Thursday 20th June at 11.00am BST.
The sale comprises over 250 lots showcasing the extraordinary diversity and celebrating the artistic craftsmanship of South, Southeast and Central Asia, as well as the Iranian plateau, the Middle East all the way to the Mediterranean shores.
This longed-for, inaugural auction opens with a remarkable Northern London private collection of Indian artefacts, previously unseen in the market. “An Eye for Detail” is meant to illustrate not only the artistic achievements and talents of Indian craftsmen, but also the multi-faceted cultural and religious reality the Indian Subcontinent managed to foster and keep alive throughout centuries. Three generations of collecting collide into a very personal, subjective and unusual selections of tools, vessels, paintings, accessories, photographs and decorative lots that range from £150 to £6,000 GBP, offering a chance to both seasoned buyers and new collectors to make their pick.
Following the private collection selection, the remaining 150 lots are divided between the Arts of South Asia and the Arts of the Islamic Lands, two worlds that, despite their substantial geographic distances, have always been tightly interlinked. Among the highlights, one can count a selection of eight official courtly album portraits of Mughal Emperors (lot 164); a large Qajar polychrome-painted moulded pottery tile with a banquet scene replicating the Safavid frescoes of the Chihil Sotun Palace in Isfahan (lot 206); and lastly, an elegant and intact 16th-century Ottoman Iznik plate with saz leaves and arabesques (lot 262).
Dive into a world of wonders and for any specific query, please do not hesitate to contact our Head of Department, Beatrice Campi at beatrice@azcaauctions.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Viewing
Viewing will take place at the following address:
Metro Building, 8th Floor
1 Butterwick
London, W6 8DL
