A carved rock-crystal intaglio, Safavid Iran, dated AH 1042-1632-33 AD
Lot 57. A carved rock-crystal intaglio, Safavid Iran, dated AH 1042-1632-33 AD. Estimate £6,000 - GBP 8,000. Price realised GBP 10,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015
Of octagonal form with with a slight stepped rim, the face engraved with elegant nasta'liq surrounded by rosettes and small floral sprays, the calligraphy divided into rectangular cartouches arranged in a flowing pattern around a central square which contains the date, the rim with two simple rules, a minor chip to the upper edge, 1¼ x 1¼in. (3.1 x 3.1cm.)
Note: A glass seal made for Sultan Husayn Safavi (r. 1694-1722) which had similar chamfered sides and floral rosettes was sold at Christie’s South Kensington, 29 April 2005, lot 445.
Christie's. Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 23 April 2015, London