Ottoman Qu'ran Painted Gilt Miniature Leaf Pair

Broad and shallow with incised ring to the inner centre. 121 grams, 14.3 cm wide



Ex 1990s collection and with a central London gallery.

Modelled in the round in the form of a lizard with a long arched neck, bulbous body and thick, curved, round-section tail; two guide-loops to the upper face. 128 grams, 13.2 cm



Acquired in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

The Luristan culture is best known for its remarkable metalwork, especially the finely cast bronzes created during the early first millennium B.C. These objects, such as weapons, horse fittings, and decorative plaques, show a strong artistic imagination, with bold shapes and lively animal designs. Although little is known about the people themselves, their metalwork had a lasting impact, and Luristan bronzes remain some of the most distinctive and admired artefacts from the ancient Near East.

A freestanding sheet-silver idol of a standing human figure, anatomical features in repoussé technique, applied pellet eyes and twisted wire embellishing the headdress, attached to a vertical rectangular plaque, standing on a second square plaque with notched edges, remains of an offering vessel(?) at the feet. 14.2 grams, 39 mm

Fair condition.

From the Robin Symes gallery, Mayfair, UK, before 1999. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.