The spring sale of Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets presents an extraordinary range of works of art, paintings, carpets and manuscripts from across the Middle East and India. The auction on 1 April is highlighted by two lots epitomising the splendours of the royal Persian courts. The highlight of the Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds section is a magnificent early Qajar royal group portrait. Depicting a Persian New Year (Norouz) procession on a monumental scale, this remarkable painting comes from the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Florida, and illustrates Qajar royal glory at its finest. The selection of Oriental rugs and carpets is led by a highly important, early 17th century, silk and metal-thread ‘Polonaise’ carpet whose delicate surface and elaborate design is remarkably well preserved. With a princely provenance connecting it to two of Italy’s most prominent families, it exemplifies the golden age of Safavid weaving and is the first time to appear at auction.
We are also delighted to present our online-only sale, Calligraphy: Art in Writing, which will be open from 17 March – 7 April. This auction features works by celebrated writers and artists from the classical Islamic period to the present day. The star lots of the auction are an Isma’il Gulgee gestural canvas, inspired by traditional Islamic calligraphy, alongside early kufic Qur’an folios and panels signed by Persian masters such as the celebrated calligrapher ‘Imad al-Hasani.