An upcoming auction at Christie’s in London will feature 240 pieces from the Indian and Islamic worlds, offering a glimpse into a fascinating period of regional history. The collection includes manuscripts, paintings, ceramics, metalwork, and carpets dating back to the 9th to 19th centuries.
One of the most expensive and mysterious items in the collection is a finial from Tipu Sultan’s fabled gold throne, estimated at £300,000 to £500,000 ($374,413 to $624,022). The throne of the 18th-century Indian Muslim ruler no longer exists, but illustrations suggest what it may have looked like. Tipu Sultan was known for using tiger stripes as his royal insignia, which were used to decorate all courtly objects and weapons, as well as in the architecture of palaces and mosques. The throne was decorated with a series of tiger-headed finials, of which only eight remain. The finial up for auction is one of the last remnants of the throne, meticulously crafted with inlaid gold and set with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. It now stands on a marble stand with gilt metal fittings.
The first two lots of the sale are pages from an album of compiled calligraphy works, each piece signed by its respective artist. The works date back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries, with each estimated between £30,000 and £40,000. Albums were the way that the Fatimid, Mughal, and Ottoman courts preserved their collection. They would gather the works that were their favorite in a book. The workers didn’t have to speak to each other but would come together by the borders. The calligraphy presents Quranic verses, specifically Surat Al Fatiha, and is a striking example of the work of two of the most important Safavid artists, Sultan Ali Mashhadi and Shah Mahmud Nishapuri. Although the calligraphy presents Quranic verses, they vary in style and employ calligraphy not traditionally used while transcribing the Quran.
Lot 25, meanwhile, depicts the story of King Solomon and Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba. It is a Timurid painting, and full-page Timurid paintings are extremely rare. The subject is incredible, depicting Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. In Islamic culture, Solomon is a king and a prophet who is said to have converted the Queen of Sheba to believe in God. The intensity of the palette is wonderful, with painterly and minute lines. While several artworks in the lot are estimated in the six figures, there are also less expensive options available, such as illustrations from Safavid Iran in the 15th century.
Of the 240 lots, 100 feature carpets and rugs with origins ranging from India and the Caucasus to Persia and Anatolia. The auction also features a strong selection of arms and armor, including bejeweled daggers and khanjars with Mughal designs.
The auction presents a unique opportunity to witness the art and craftsmanship of the Indian and Islamic worlds, with pieces that showcase the rich history and cultural influences of the region. From the lavishness of Tipu Sultan’s throne to the intricate calligraphy and vibrant paintings, the collection offers a diverse range of items that are sure to capture the attention of art collectors and enthusiasts alike.