Central Asian More Asian Art, Objects and Furniture

Handcrafted in Kashmir by the nomadic Kuchi tribe of Central Asia. The large silver triangular-shaped pendant is a traditional motif in Kashmir. The upper portion has the traditional...

The Amlash culture is known almost exclusively through the archaeological record that has come to light in recent decades. The term refers to the material culture found in the modern...

A polychrome Minai (enamel) handled cup from the latter half of the Turco-Persian Seljuq period (1040 - 1307), most probably from Kashan, a significant centre of ceramics production during this time where potters moulded, fired and painted both Minai and lusterware works. This handled cup rises from a short foot and widens to a spherical body, which tapers towards its neck at its widest point, emphasizing its curvature, and flares slightly at its rim. The artist has painted figures upon horseback, rendered in vibrant colours and outlined in black and gold, on the central frieze that encircles the body. Above the figures runs a blue band of Arabic calligraphy, written in Kufic script, while on the same spot in the interior of the cup there is a band of orange calligraphy, executed again in the Kufic style. The handle is S-shaped with a delicate, pale green scrolling pattern, which couples to underscore its function as a drinking utensil, along with its opulence; a luxurious example of the material culture of pre-Mongol Iran. Minai means enamel in Persian, and the term refers to this type of pottery’s colourful decoration, which lies both in and over the glaze, here further enriched with gold (gilding) which is visible on the horse’s reigns and the bows on their tails. Only certain colours are fixed as over glazed enamels. Some, such as turquoise, blue and purple are normally painted into the opaque white glaze after it has been applied and are fixed with it in the firing. Enamel pigments are then painted, and fixed in the second firing. These are normally restricted to red and black, but in more ambitious pieces, such as in this case, a whole range of other enamel colours are found together with gold gilding. Such Minai works had to be fired twice in order to achieve their polychromatic harmonies and were consequently the most sought-after and costly wares; we can thereby infer that the patron or owner was likely to have been a member of the Seljuq elite. The Seljuqs descended from nomads (specifically the Turkic Oghuz clan) who grazed cattle on the Central Asian land that the previous Persian dynasty...

It has long been conjectured, though there is no proof, that at the end of the twelfth century a group of Egyptian potters fled the rapidly declining Fatimid caliphate and settled in...

Taken from a larger gypsum wall carving, this triangular fragment displays the hilt and scabbard of a dagger or ‘akinakes’. Decorated with a pair of outward facing rampant lions, eac...

A vintage Chinese woven rattan pillow box from the mid-20th century, with geometric décor, bamboo and brass accents and removable section. Attracting our eyes with its red lacquer and rattan covered structure, this rustic pillow box is adorned with black geometric motifs. Fitted with brass hardware in the front, the box opens up to reveal a removable basket. Used as a decorative object or to store items of your choice, this vintage Chinese pillow box...

A good opportunity to acquire an old and unusual hand-carved stone dromedary camel. This handsome Minimalist sculpture was originally acquired along with several others during one o...

A Primitive bucket from Afghanistan, with decorative carving. Carved from a single piece of wood, circa 1930. BT389.

An early 20th century Khotan rug in hot colors.