SAFAVID IRAN, LATE 16TH OR EARLY 17TH CENTURY

Details

A VELVET PANEL
SAFAVID IRAN, LATE 16TH OR EARLY 17TH CENTURY
The cream ground with a repeating pattern of large floral motifs, comprising a large flowerhead rising from a stem flanked by stylised leaves, mounted behind perspex
28 3⁄8 x 27 3/8in. (72 x 69.5cm.)

Provenance

By repute, Ada Small Moore
By descent to Edward Small Moore, Sr.
With London trade, 1981

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. 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

The artistic production of Iran flourished under Shah ‘Abbas I and the production of textiles was no exception. Luxurious silks and velvets were produced in workshops in Yazd, Kashan and Isfahan, and production reached a peak in the mid-17th century. As well as proving popular in Iran, Safavid velvets were highly sought after abroad and were some of the first fabrics to be sold on the international market (Nazanin Hedayat Munroe, “Silk Textiles from Safavid Iran, 1501-1722”, Metropolitan Museum of Art website, May 2012). The large size of the flower group on this textile is something that would have been technically difficult and time-consuming to achieve.

A Safavid floral velvet panel with a similar cream ground and palette, albeit with a more irregular design, was sold in these Rooms, 23 October 2007, lot 176.

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