Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 868
Persian Lacquered
Mirror Case. Qajar, Iran, late 19th or early 20th century AD. A
lacquered mirror case. Well painted, the lacquer work is richly colored in
gold and muted hues. The case is likely of paper maché and of
niche-like form with three sides straight and the last pointed and lobed.
The cover portrays a courting scene depicting a seated couple in the
foreground amid a garden and open courtyard of a palace. The inside lid
displays an attractive spray of iris or tulips while the back is decorated
with a delightful vignette of roses and two birds. Size: 5-5/8 x
3-1/4 ". Box has been nicely preserved, the mirror is likely a replacement.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 869
Persian Lacquered Paper
Maché Panel. Iran. Qajar, late 19th or early 20th century AD.
Lacquered paper maché lid or panel with the popular motif of Shah
Nadir (1736-1747). Stylized scene of throne room with exterior view above,
and, below, the Shah in red robes and sitting on a pearl-encrusted throne.
Next to him stand two ministers with turbans and long beards. Painted in
warm, rich hues, with some touches of gold leaf, the feeling conveyed is
both nostalgic and regal. Panel size: 8-1/2 x 5-3/4"; set in simple
frame.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 870
Persian Qajar-Style
Lacquer Box. Iran. Colorful and richly patterned box in luminous
lacquer work. The footed box is an oblong octagonal shape with a semi-domed
lid and metal catch. The central panel of the lid is decorated with a
vignette of a man and woman seated in a garden, with as a male figure
stands to the left of the pair. The remainder of box features handsomely
painted floral sprays and garlands. This brightly colored vegetation
appears mostly against a black ground. The interior of the box is partly
lined with old silver thread brocade. Size: 4-5/8 x 7-7/8 x 4-3/8 ".
Box is nicely preserved and a handsome example of this craft.
Estimated
Value $350-500.
Lot 871
Persian Qajar-Style
Lacquer Box. Iran. Small box picturing a vividly rendered hunting scene
on the cover in which the nearest rider ropes a tiger or leopard, while a
pair in the background pursue a deer. The scene appears in gold and
polychrome on a deep maroon ground. The sides feature floral vignettes and
friezes in gold and colors, against a black background. Size: 3-1/2
x 5-1/4". Neatly preserved with vivid colors.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 872
Persian Scribe's
Writing Case. Iran, Qajar, late 19th or 20th century AD. A scribe's
writing case of monumental size. Of traditional shape -- long, ovate, with
tapering sides, and comprised of a single slide out drawer. Fashioned of
pâpier-maché, and painted in vivid lacquers. The top side with
two similar panels, each with a garden scene showing seated courtiers
engaged in tea and conversation. The sides with charming, decorative
vignettes of song birds atop floral sprays. Some slight repairs to lacquer,
otherwise case very well preserved. Most unusual in this size, and thus
rare. This colorful work of handicraft may have been a display ware or
presentation item. Length: 14-1/4".
Estimated Value
$1,250-1,750.
Lot 873
Persian Sword Blade.
Ancient Persia. Out of the misty halls of unknown kings, this
impressively large and stylish blade has survived to this day. Of the
traditional leaf shape seen on most of the Luristan and post-Luristan era
weaponry, the blade exhibits swelling, rounded shoulders and tapers to a
narrow point. The tip is slightly thickened for strength with reinforcing
midrib and blood channels along the rest of the length. The short
Tanganyika would have set into a separately attached handle. Blade
length: 19 ¼". With attractive green patina. Blade in quite fine
condition. This sizable artifact comes with custom Lucite mount for wall
display.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 874
Persian Turquoise
Inlaid Pipe. Iran, circa 19th century. Decorative artifact employing
typical materials of Persian handicrafts. The richly grained,
cherry-colored wooden stem contrasts with the brightly colored turquoise
cabochons inlaid along its length. The silver finials add further color and
texture variations. The ceramic bowl with incised patterns and additional
turquoise accents. Length 15¼". In choice condition.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 875
Persian Writing Box.
Beautiful lacquer on paper maché scribe's box measuring 12 x 2 x
2". An elaborately decorated piece -- delicately colored flowers adorn the
top and sides in hues of creme, red and gold, while the interior glows with
a rich red tone embellished in gold and black designs. The base features a
similar floral motif, albeit more stylized in tones of green, orange, and
black. Minor chips in the finish and a ½" repair to one of the ends.
Very good condition.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 876
Saracen Pendent.
Syrian, 11th-12th century. Hand wrought, silver, Saljuq dynasty pendant
featuring a mythical creature, presumably representing Islam, that is
surrounded by stylized flames which represent a burning faith. At the base
of the pendant, the creature holds a rough green stone. in good condition
overall.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 877
Tibetan Mandala.
Early 20th Century, Tibet. Measuring 15" square, this leather Mandala
features a geometric design, representing a circular Buddhist temple
flanked with floral motifs at the corners. A 2½" score to leather at
one edge, light crazing. In good condition overall.
Used solely
in the context of meditation, mandalas depict imaginary places that are
contemplated during spiritual reflection. Representing a physical temple,
these geometric images are a micro-cosmic symbol of the universe -- the
viewer leaves the outside perimeter and visually moves toward the center
where a cleaner mind can allow reintegration with the cosmos. Similar to
the thanka, mandalas are also traditional Buddhist tool used while offering
homage to promote enlightenment.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 878
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa late 19th - early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk
border. This colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features the image of
an encircled Buddha floating in a sea of mythical figures. The Buddha
appears in a bright orange robe amid a steel blue sea with dark seafoam
green accents. A Tibetan inscription appears below the vignette. Thanka
measures 28 x 23". Brown, burgundy, and mustard yellow silk brocade borders
the thanka for an overall size of 48 x 40½". Artist signature on
verso in Tibetan characters, with handprint. Light soiling with light
surface abrasions.
Thanka paintings, which serve as a record of,
and guide for a contemplative experience, are scroll artworks generally
hung in monastic shrines or in domestic altars. Painted on linen with
embroidered silk edges, a paste made of animal glue mixed with talcum
powder is used to reinforce the linen, readying it for paint. The pigments
are mixed with animal glue and ox bile to create a lasting luster, and gold
leaf is applied to emphasize spiritual richness.
Estimated Value
$500-600.
Lot 879
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa late 19th - early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk
border. This colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features the image of
a traditional god riding a dragon encircled by a rich golden boarder.
Surrounding this icon is a myriad of colorful characters, many riding
horses, against a predominantly seafoam green background. Thanka measures
27 x 38". Brown, burgundy, and mustard yellow silk brocade borders the
thanka for an overall size of 44 x 55½". Artist signature on verso
in Tibetan characters, with handprint. Light surface dirt, a few pinholes,
light crazing, soft creasing. In good condition overall.
Estimated
Value $500-800.
Lot 880
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features a central image of a
figure seated before an altar dressed in rich robes, surrounded by
gift-bearing figures. A register along the lower edge displays an
inscription of Tibetan characters. Thanka measures 21 x 32". Burnt sienna,
crimson, and mustard yellow silk brocade borders the thanka for an overall
size of 39½ x 51". Artist signature on verso in Tibetan characters,
with handprint. Surface dirt, soft creasing and a small vertical split has
been restored at the lower left . In good condition overall.
Estimated
Value $500-700.
Lot 881
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features a central image of Buddha
seated on a lotus blossom, hands posed in a symbolic mudra, surrounded by a
sequence of eleven smaller forms of Buddah. Thanka measures 20 x 31". Burnt
sienna, mustard yellow and crimson silk brocade borders the thanka for an
overall size of 38 x 51". Artist signature on verso in Tibetan characters,
with handprint. Surface dirt, there is a 1" abrasion with light paint loss
at upper center, soft creasing. In good condition overall.
Estimated
Value $400-500.
Lot 882
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features a pair of royal figures
seated before two temples amid a sacred celebration as three Bodhisattvas
look down from the heavens. Thanka measures 20 x 30". Brown, crimson, and
mustard yellow silk brocade borders the thanka for an overall size of
40½ x 48". Artist signature on verso in Tibetan characters, with
handprint. Surface dirt and soft creasing. In good condition overall.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 883
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features a central Buddha figure
seated in the lotus position surrounded by a meadow of Bodhisattvas. Thanka
measures 28¾ x 22". Brown, crimson, and mustard yellow silk brocade
borders the thanka for an overall size of 42½ x 46". Artist
signature on verso in Tibetan characters, with handprint. Surface dirt and
soft creasing. In good condition overall.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 884
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features the image of Buddha
sitting on a lotus with, hands posed in a symbolic mudra and encircled by
thirteen golden medallions, each depicting a different Bodhisattva. Thanka
measures 19 x 26¼". Black, crimson, and mustard yellow silk brocade
borders the thanka for an overall size of 44 x 36". Artist signature on
verso in Tibetan characters. Light surface dirt, a 3" horizontal crease
starting at left edge, and a few flecks of gold paint have dripped onto
background. Still, in good condition overall.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 885
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features ten registers filled with
over 80 figures engaged in a variety of activities. Each separate scene is
described with golden Tibetan characters. Thanka measures 26 x 30". Brown,
burgundy, and mustard yellow silk brocade borders the thanka for an overall
size of 45½ x 48". Artist signature on verso in Tibetan characters,
with handprint. Surface dirt, one fill at left center, soft creasing. In
good condition overall.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 886
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features a central image of a
golden Bodhisattva riding a dragon amid coral and seafoam green clouds,
while additional bodhisattvas appear amid individual cloud formations along
the upper and lower edges. Thanka measures 21 x 32". Black, mustard yellow
and crimson silk brocade borders the thanka for an overall size of 38 x
48½". Light surface dirt and soft creasing. In good condition
overall.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 887
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features the image of the Buddha,
seated before an altar, with students at either side. The lower portion is
inscribed in Tibetan characters. Thanka measures 19 x 27¼". Black,
mustard yellow, and crimson silk brocade borders the thanka for an overall
size of 37 x 45½". Surface dirt, soft creasing, a few surface
abrasions, and a small spot of paint loss. In good condition overall.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 888
Tibetan Thanka.
Circa early 20th century, Tibet. Paint on linen with silk border. This
colorful Buddhist example of scroll art features the image of a seated god
holding a lotus stem, flanked by six students. Below this setting, a
lengthy Tibetan inscription appears amid spirals of smoke. Thanka measures
29 x 20", sans traditional silk brocade border. Surface dirt, a few surface
scratches, and upper left corner is folded. Still, in good condition
overall.
Estimated Value $250-350.