Western Asiatic Glass and Stone Bead Necklace String

In a gilt wooden glazed frame with card reveal to both pages; collector's label to reverse with details: 'Dala'il al Khairat Bokhara C.1820. This superb illuminated manuscript is of the popular prayer book, the Dala'il Al Khairat and is thought to have been scribed in Bokhara, some 150 miles from Samarkand. For centuries Bokhara was a centre of Islamic scholarship in Asia. The city had some 360 mosques and nearly 10,000 pupils received their education in 140 madrasas or theological colleges. Many fine manuscripts were scribed there, principally to serve the vibrant Muslim culture. This item is a wonderful example. The script is naskh enclosed in gold clouds, an Indian influence. The central panels are bordered with a meandering vine border of the highest quality. It is sad that about a third of the book was damaged beyond repair. An essential item for collectors, a pearl almost beyond price.' 516 grams, 28.7 x 23.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market.

Comprising: court scene with seated figure, supplicant, bird in flight and dog; scene with coiled snake, and linear figure; frieze with stylised insect with hexagonal body; combat scene with two rearing gryphons attacking a bull, human attendant to the rear; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 25.5 grams total, 23.6-34 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Plano-convex in section with ellipsoid body, high-relief legs and reversed head; underside with incuse animal motifs. 11.08 grams, 31 mm



Private collection, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent.