Best in Show: Sotheby's Arts of the Islamic World and India

ON OUR RADAR | HAPPENINGS | CABANA MAGAZINE

On 23 October 2024, Sotheby’s will present Arts of the Islamic World and India, an impressive sale of rare objects, artworks, manuscripts and textiles. Read on to discover which lots the Cabana Editors and Big Cabana Family are most inspired by.

BY CAMILLA FRANCES | HAPPENINGS | 18 OCTOBER 2024

Sotheby’s first sold Qur’ans and manuscripts nearly three centuries ago – in 1755, as part of the library of an Oxford don. Today, London’s ‘Islamic Week’ - held biannually in April and October - is the focal point in the Islamic art diary, attracting collectors, curators and connoisseurs from across the globe.

The department’s sales offer a spectrum of classical arts from the Middle East and wider Islamic World, featuring manuscripts in Arabic, Persian and Turkish as well as miniatures, paintings, ceramics, metalwork, arms and armour, glass, jewellery and many other fine decorative objects that span a period of almost 1400 years.

Read on to discover the lots the Big Cabana Family are inspired by, and coveting.

Dr. Susan Scollay, specialist in Islamic Arts and Textiles

Lot 211; A silk and metal-thread brocade panel, Turkey, Ottoman, late 16th century

"Silk held a special place in the concept of luxury in the Islamic world and this lot, a compound woven and brocaded panel, possesses a luminous beauty.

"It epitomises the complexity and sophistication of Ottoman textiles made for the sultan’s court in Istanbul in the late-16th century. Brocaded with metal-covered threads, the sinuous design motifs of stylised artichokes, çintemani motifs, and flower-filled lappets at the upper and lower edges resonate against the depth of the saturated crimson silk ground. It is as compelling as it is rare." Dr. Susan Scollay

Miguel Flores-Vianna, author and photographer

Lot 135; A Khurasan carpet fragment, North East Persia, 17th century

"On a recent visit to the V&A I spotted a carpet with vivid floral designs. The 17th century Persian carpet, which was identified as a 'Vase Carpet’, made me want to see more of this style of carpets, which is today rare. This small fragment reminds me of it, I love its strong colors and the boldness of its design, which allows one to imagine how impressive the whole piece must have been." Miguel Flores-Vianna

Marco Mansi, writer and art historian

Lot 123; A group of 12 Abbasid lustre pottery dishes, Iraq, 9th/10th century 

"I chose this group of Abbasid lustre dishes because they encapsulate the Silk Road’s power to inspire exchanges across cultures and time. These 9th-century Iraqi creations showcase an Islamic mastery of lusterware, while their fluted edges hint at Tang-dynasty China—a reminder of how artistic ideas travelled along this route.

"Remarkably, this technique, born in the Islamic world, later moved westward to reappear in Renaissance Italy. More than beautiful artifacts, these dishes are symbols of creativity flowing and transforming along the Silk Road." Marco Mansi

Will Fisher, antique dealer and founder of Jamb

Lot 115; A post-Nasrid inlaid wooden chest, Spain, 16th century 

"I am fascinated by the interplay of decoration and function; this small chest is of the simplest form and relatively diminutive size, but the intricacy of decoration and construction suggest that this was a highly prized possession. In addition, the patina developed over several centuries is exactly what I look for – a history of careful use is held within the softly aged wooden surfaces of this piece." Will Fisher

Drew Pritchard, antique dealer and broadcaster

Lot 153; A Mughal silver-inlaid brass celestial globe, India, late 18th-century

"This Mogul silver celestial globe immediately struck me as something I would love to own. I find this globe intriguing, wondrous; almost out of reach and can imagine the astronomers peering into their deep pools at night to view the stars and the artisan translating that into this startling little piece.

"As a keen stargazer, the constellations have always held an interest for me and this would be the perfect accompaniment to my fascination with the night sky." Drew Pritchard

Will Green, fourth generation antique dealer

Lot 139; A painted cotton qanat (tent Panel) fragment, north India, possibly Jaipur, 18th century 

"The time-softened earthy tones of this 18th-century tent panel are incredibly beautiful. I imagine it would look wonderful in a provincial white-washed bedroom, perhaps hung above the head of a bed. The harmony between the soft, muted colours and the clean, white walls would work perfectly.” Will Green

Fabrizia Caracciolo, writer and collector 

172: A Mughal rock Crystal mango shaped flask, 18th century

"This flask was used as a container for perfume. I am fascinated by the contrast between the preciousness of the material; rock crystal and the simplicity of the subject. The gently curving mango form is a motif largely used in Mughal India decorative art whereas rock crystal was a rare and precious commodity." Fabrizia Caracciolo