LONDON.- An extraordinary and rare zhigri, used to support the tents under which kings and princes sheltered from the heat in 12th century Persia, is offered at
Bonhams Islamic and Indian Sale in London on 25 April 2017. It is estimated at £100,000 – 150,000.
Zhigri were initially thought to have been monumental candle stands. However, their depiction in a number of significant illustrated manuscripts led to the discovery that they bridged two adjoining wooden poles to support imperial tents made of heavy materials. This particular piece was discovered in Kyrgyzstan, and has been housed in a private UK Collection since 1950. Only 10 other Persian tent supports are known to exist, and they are all housed in museums in Russia, Kyrgyzstan and the Kazakh Republic.
A further highlight is a rare Maghribi metal-thread embroidered panel (probably 18th Century), estimated at £60,000-80,000. This is an exquisite example of a textile from the eastern part of North Africa. The reference to ‘Lord Idris son of our Master’ pins the probable location of manufacture to Morocco. It is possible that the panel was made for the tomb of the founder of the Idrisid Dynasty in Moulay Idris Zerhoun, Morocco, or for the Maqam Ibrahim shrine at Mecca.
Other highlights include:
• An exceptionally rare Nasrid woodwork box, estimated at £20,000-30,000. This example of fine Nasrid woodwork has the unusual feature of dyed bone elements in hues of blue and green, reminiscent of the Nasrid tile work at the Alhambra.
• A rare 13th Century Andalusian brass astrolabe from Islamic Spain, estimated at £8,000- 12,000. Astrolabes were widely used in the Islamic world both for navigation and for finding the Qibla, or the direction of Mecca.
Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Islamic and Indian Art said, “This sale reflects a rich and diverse history of Islamic and Indian art forms, spanning eight centuries and encompassing a range of media, including pottery, glass, textiles, manuscripts and paintings. We are fortunate to include a number of rare artefacts, which will prove to be of great interest to collectors.”
