Ancienne collection particulière anglaise, avant 1965, par réputation

Timeline Auctions, Londres, 26 février 2019: n°449 (ill.)

Acquis lors de cette vente par l'actuel propriétaire

This exceptional ensemble, intended to signify the prestige and status of its owner, comprises thirty-nine elements executed in the same repoussé silver technique, subsequently enhanced with gilding and niello. The decoration and form of these elements vary slightly, suggesting that they may originate from distinct sets.

The technique of repoussé and gilded silver was widely employed by goldsmiths during the Seljuk period, from Central Asia to Turkey. A large plaque decorated with figures and winged dogs, dated 600 AH/1203 CE, provides an excellent example (Christie’s, London, 7 October 2008, lot 70). Its highly refined decoration recalls, in a more elaborate manner, the simpler motifs of felines and palmettes adorning the present group.

A small pendant featuring a sphinx, executed in a similar technique, is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. 1978.28), attributed to Iran or Turkey and dated to the twelfth or thirteenth century. A complete set decorated with nielloed interlace, dated to the eleventh or twelfth century, is preserved in the British Museum (inv. 1960,0801.1). Another comparable ensemble, identified as Persian and dated to the twelfth century, was offered at Sotheby’s, London, 5 October 2011, lot 208.