SIGNED HAJI 'ABBAS, IRAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Details

A QAJAR GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL KASHKUL
SIGNED HAJI 'ABBAS, IRAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY
Of 'coco-de-mer' form, with an inscriptional band arranged in cartouches around the sides, gold damascened interstices, the upper surface engraved with scene of dervishes in the wilderness with damascened edging around the opening, a small spout offset to one side, the base uncarved with a gold-damascened cartouche with scrolling pendants, with two gold-damascened suspension hoops attached to the body by swivel-mounts, a chain running through them
9 1/8in. (23.3cm.) long

Further details

Some countries prohibit or restrict the purchase and/or import of Iranian-origin property. Bidders must familiarise themselves with any laws or shipping restrictions that apply to them before bidding on these lots. For example, the USA prohibits dealings in and import of Iranian-origin “works of conventional craftsmanship” (such as carpets, textiles, decorative objects, and scientific instruments) without an appropriate licence. Christie’s has a general OFAC licence which, subject to compliance with certain conditions, would enable a buyer to import this type of lot into the USA. If you intend to use Christie’s licence, please contact us for further information before you bid.

Conditions of sale

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Lot Essay

This richly-decorated steel kashkul or ‘beggar’s bowl’ was made in the form of a coco-de-mer, a fruit which grows on the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, and washes ashore in southern Iran and India. In Sufism, the shell’s journey takes on mystical meaning as a representation of the dervish’s journey on the ocean of spiritual knowledge. Here, the kashkul is itself depicted on the finely-carved central field, surrounded by dervishes and animals.

Several steel kashkuls by Hajji 'Abbas were sold in these Rooms, including 8 April 2008, lots 245 and 246 and 6 October 2009, lot 153. Other examples are in the Hermitage, St Petersburg (inv. nos VС-803 and VС-804). For a full discussion on the kashkul and the origin of its form please see A.S. Melikian-Chirvani, 'From the Royal Boat to the Beggar's Bowl', Islamic Art, Vol. IV, 1991, pp.3-111).

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