On Wednesday, 14 April, 2010 Sotheby’s London bi-annual Arts of the Islamic World Sale will present an exceptional array of fine and rare works of art that span from the rise of Islam in the 7th century through to the 19th century. The auction, which will also feature important examples of ancient manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, weaponry, textiles, ceramics and paintings from North Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Islamic Spain and South Asia, is estimated to realise in excess of £4 million and will be highlighted by Part II of ‘The Tipu Sultan Collection’ - the first part was offered at Sotheby’s London in 2005 and brought £1,239,240 ($2,267,437).
Part II of ‘The Tipu Sultan Collection’
Following the success of Sotheby’s London Sale of The Tipu Sultan Collection in May 2005, the forthcoming sale will include seven lots relating to one of the great heroes of Indian history, Tipu Sultan, “Tiger of Mysore” (reigned 1782-99). The collection features outstanding weaponry and other rarities captured after the British stormed the autonomous Muslim Ruler, Tipu Sultan's palace at Seringapatam in May 1799.
Important highlights in the collection include a very rare sword and scabbard with Tiger-Form Hilt, from the Palace Armoury of Tipu Sultan, India, circa 1782-99 (est. £50,000-70,000, illustrated left), which was formerly in the collection of Viscount Strathallan and an extremely rare Indian bronze cannon cast by Ahmad Pali at the Royal Foundry at Seringapatam for Tipu Sultan, India, dated 1790-1 (est. £120,000-150,000), formerly the property of the Royal United Services Institute.
Further sale highlights:A Safavid Brocaded Silk and Metal-Thread Textile Panel, Persia, Safavid, 16th or 17th Century (est. £300,000-500,000).
A Magnificent and Exceptionally Rare Ottoman Silver-Gilt Cantelope Melon-Form Hanging Ornament set with Peridots, Turkey, 17th century (est. £150,000-200,000).
A Near Pair of Ottoman Silver Candlesticks Bearing the Khedival Crest of King Fouad and the Tughra of Abdülmecid, Turkey, 19th century (est. £60,000-80,000).
