The March 31 sale at Roseberys (25% buyer’s premium) included a Khorassan silver and copper inlaid bronze tray made in north-east Iran in the 12th century.
It measures 12in (30cm) across and is decorated with silver-inlaid naskh and kufic inscriptions. Acquired in the UK in 1976, the tray had stayed in the same private collection in the UK until the sale where, guided at £2000-3000, it sold at £28,000 on thesaleroom.com.
Much-admired production
Northern Indian panel – £9500 at Chiswick Auctions.
The April 16 sale at Chiswick Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) was topped at £9500 by the 7 x 12in (18 x 30cm) lacquered and mother of pearl inlaid wood and papier mâché panel pictured.
Made in northern India, perhaps originally as a casket lid, it amounts to an early tribute to the much-admired Safavid lacquer production, combining both Indian elements with Persianate features and a scene of a mother and child that echoes Christian devotional prototypes.
It came for sale from a private American collection, with a guide of £800-1200.
