19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
205
A THREE-PIECE SET OF QAJAR GOLD AND SILVER-DAMASCENED STEEL ARMOUR
Qajar Iran, 19th century
A THREE-PIECE SET OF QAJAR GOLD AND SILVER-DAMASCENED STEEL ARMOUR
Qajar Iran, 19th century
Comprising a helmet (khula khud), a shield (dhal), and an arm-guard (bazuband), each element meticulously crafted from steel and adorned with intricate gold and silver damascening, the domed helmet surmounted by a central faceted spike finial, flanked by plume holders, and a sliding nasal bar, its surface embellished with scrolling vegetal motifs and calligraphic cartouches, terminating in a two-tone tiger chainmail aventail; the shield of circular convex form, centered by four domed bosses, surrounded by a dense arrangement of arabesques and inscriptions, bordered by a band of bold nasta'liq calligraphy; the arm-guard of rectangular, tapering form, similarly decorated with vegetal patterns and bordered by calligraphic bands, the entire ensemble exemplifying the opulence and craftsmanship characteristic of Qajar metalwork, reflecting the fusion of martial function and artistic expression prevalent in 19th-century Iran.
The helmet (khula khud) 59cm x 17cm including the chainmail
The shield (dhal) 46.5cm diameter
The arm-guard (bazuband) 36cm x 11cm
Estimated at £5,000 - £7,000
A THREE-PIECE SET OF QAJAR GOLD AND SILVER-DAMASCENED STEEL ARMOUR
Qajar Iran, 19th century
Comprising a helmet (khula khud), a shield (dhal), and an arm-guard (bazuband), each element meticulously crafted from steel and adorned with intricate gold and silver damascening, the domed helmet surmounted by a central faceted spike finial, flanked by plume holders, and a sliding nasal bar, its surface embellished with scrolling vegetal motifs and calligraphic cartouches, terminating in a two-tone tiger chainmail aventail; the shield of circular convex form, centered by four domed bosses, surrounded by a dense arrangement of arabesques and inscriptions, bordered by a band of bold nasta'liq calligraphy; the arm-guard of rectangular, tapering form, similarly decorated with vegetal patterns and bordered by calligraphic bands, the entire ensemble exemplifying the opulence and craftsmanship characteristic of Qajar metalwork, reflecting the fusion of martial function and artistic expression prevalent in 19th-century Iran.
The helmet (khula khud) 59cm x 17cm including the chainmail
The shield (dhal) 46.5cm diameter
The arm-guard (bazuband) 36cm x 11cm
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!
For any enquiries, please contact us at:
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
