The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 1888
Ghurka Fighting Knives,
from India. A pair of kukri, the distinctive fighting knives of this
famed tribal group the British first learned to fear, and then quickly learned
to appreciate, during their suzerain of India. Each with heavy streamlined
blade, the reverse of a scimitar, tapering to a form fitting handle in black
horn, with brass bolsters. These housed in rugged wood and black leather
sheaths, with two supplemental miniature kukri at top and behind. One of the
tiny knives missing, otherwise both complete and finely preserved. Blade
lengths: 9-3/4"; 10-3/4". A both decorative and serviceable pair from the last
century.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1889
Persian Antique Copper
Bowl, with Engraved Scenes of the Hunt. Robust footed bowl of deep shape
with out-turned rim resembling an inverted bell. The exterior walls are richly
ornamented with repousee and engraved scene depicting a youthful hunter on
horse, chasing a pair of hinds. The horseman is repeated three times amid
changing scenery. Set in this frieze, a cartouche with Nastaliq inscription.
Above, an elaborate border of flowers and trefoils. Perhaps a scene depicting
Rustam, one of the legendary principles in the Shah-nameh. Interior of bowl
tinned, with traces of tinning on the exterior. Width: 5-1/4";
Height: 3". An attractive objet d'art.
The Shah-nameh, "Book of
Kings", is the celebrated work of the Persian epic poet Ferdowsi, in which the
Persian national epic found its final and enduring form. The Shah-nameh is a
poem of nearly 60,000 verses, mainly based on the Khvatay-namak, a history of
the kings of Persia in Pahlavi (Middle Persian), from mythical times down to
the 7th century. Ferdowsi committed the various epic and literary traditions to
verse, and updated the story to the downfall of the Pre-Islamic Sasanid empire
(mid-7th century). For nearly 1,000 years this epic poem has remained one of
the most popular works in the Persian-speaking world. In addition, the work has
inspired and influenced a large repertoire of representational art in Persia,
and elsewhere in Asia, over the centuries.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1890
Persian Gaming Pieces.
Set of twenty Persian gaming pieces, dating to the mid-20th century. These
fibre plaques are lacquered and painted with the images of historical Persian
figures. Comprised of five different designs in suites of four, the artwork on
these charming counters clearly illustrates the influence of the Oriental
style. Each piece measures 1½ x 2¼". With minor flaws inherent to
medium. Still, in fine to very fine condition.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 1891
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 1892
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 1893
Finely Crafted Samurai
Sword Fitting. Japan, c. 19th century. A fuchi, in colored bronze,
copper, and gilding -- this would have mounted at the base of the handle,
adjacent to the blade. On a pebble-textured background of black, a fearsome
Japanese dragon slithers to the left. The dragon, in bold relief, is finely
engraved and chased, the whole covered in gilding. Object very well preserved,
with only slight wear to the dragon's golden surfaces. Length: 1-1/2". These
often sublime meldings of sculpture, art, and craft are eaglerly sought after
by both weapon fanciers and collectors of Japanese art and crafts.
Estimated Value $150-225.