19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
155
A SUFI DERVISH CARVED WOOD BACKSCRATCHER WITH SHI’A INSCRIPTION
Turkey, early 20th century
A SUFI DERVISH CARVED WOOD BACKSCRATCHER WITH SHI’A INSCRIPTION
Turkey, early 20th century
A long carved wood backscratcher, possibly made for or used by a dervish associated with Shi’a devotional practice, the shaft finely incised with diagonal lozenge motifs and repeated geometric patterns, the paddle-shaped head carved with dense cross-hatched texture on one side, and on the other with a stylised inscription reading Madad Ya ‘Ali (Help, O Ali), an invocation to the first Imam in Shi’a Islam, a symbol of spiritual intercession and divine assistance, the handle surmounted by a rounded knop, a typical object carried by mendicant ascetics or members of Sufi brotherhoods with Shi’a affiliations, such objects embodying humility, endurance and pious devotion through everyday ritual use.
52cm long
Sold for £209
A SUFI DERVISH CARVED WOOD BACKSCRATCHER WITH SHI’A INSCRIPTION
Turkey, early 20th century
A long carved wood backscratcher, possibly made for or used by a dervish associated with Shi’a devotional practice, the shaft finely incised with diagonal lozenge motifs and repeated geometric patterns, the paddle-shaped head carved with dense cross-hatched texture on one side, and on the other with a stylised inscription reading Madad Ya ‘Ali (Help, O Ali), an invocation to the first Imam in Shi’a Islam, a symbol of spiritual intercession and divine assistance, the handle surmounted by a rounded knop, a typical object carried by mendicant ascetics or members of Sufi brotherhoods with Shi’a affiliations, such objects embodying humility, endurance and pious devotion through everyday ritual use.
52cm long
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 19th Jun, 2025
Our specialist auction Arts of India and the Islamic Lands is now online for you to browse, peruse and fall in love with your next antique.
Among the highlights, this sale vaunts a remarkable selection of Rajput Schools paintings and an illustrated loose folio from a Timurid Haft Paykar series, all part of a private Canadian collection; several gem-studded Indian necklaces, treasured heirlooms of a local family; a notable group of Islamic manuscripts, including a geomantic tome attributed to the Nubian alchemist Dhul-Nun al-Misri; and several lots of Persian Qajar lacquer belonging to the heir of a British diplomatic family in office under Sir Denis Wright in Tehran between 1971 - 1973.
Our selected lots preview starts next week, on Tuesday 3rd June, and the full view is going to take place from Friday 13th June until the sale day.
Mark your calendars and come to see us!
Viewing
Viewing:
13th June - 10:00 - 17:00
14th June - 11:00 - 16:00
15th June - 11:00 - 16:00
16th June - 10:00 - 17:00
17th June - 10:00 - 17:00
18th June - 10:00 - 17:00
