19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
223
A SILVER PEACOCK FIGURINE WITH A DEDICATION TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS AGA KHAN
Possibly Mumbai, Maharashtra, Central India, early 20th century
A SILVER PEACOCK FIGURINE WITH A DEDICATION TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS AGA KHAN
Possibly Mumbai, Maharashtra, Central India, early 20th century
A finely crafted silver peacock figurine possibly used as card holder, presented mid-stride with wings spread in dynamic motion, with engraved plumage and mounted on a circular pedestal base, the tail with a thin opening, the base engraved “Presented to Her Royal Highness the Princess Aga Khan by Mrs Khatijabai Alijah Faizulla Nanjee”, the dedication likely referring to Princess Andrée Aga Khan, wife of Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III (1877–1957), born in Karachi and the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a prominent figure in global diplomacy, Islamic unity, and humanitarian advocacy, notably serving as President of the League of Nations in 1937 and a key negotiator for Indian Muslims during British rule, the peacock acting as an enduring symbol of royalty, renewal, and divine protection in Indian culture, evoking grace and nobility, and perhaps resonating with the Aga Khan’s own cultural heritage and princely stature.
16.5cm high
Sold for £861
A SILVER PEACOCK FIGURINE WITH A DEDICATION TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS AGA KHAN
Possibly Mumbai, Maharashtra, Central India, early 20th century
A finely crafted silver peacock figurine possibly used as card holder, presented mid-stride with wings spread in dynamic motion, with engraved plumage and mounted on a circular pedestal base, the tail with a thin opening, the base engraved “Presented to Her Royal Highness the Princess Aga Khan by Mrs Khatijabai Alijah Faizulla Nanjee”, the dedication likely referring to Princess Andrée Aga Khan, wife of Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III (1877–1957), born in Karachi and the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a prominent figure in global diplomacy, Islamic unity, and humanitarian advocacy, notably serving as President of the League of Nations in 1937 and a key negotiator for Indian Muslims during British rule, the peacock acting as an enduring symbol of royalty, renewal, and divine protection in Indian culture, evoking grace and nobility, and perhaps resonating with the Aga Khan’s own cultural heritage and princely stature.
16.5cm high
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
