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JEWELLERY BOX MODELLED ON THE FAMOUS KHALAF PYXID
See original version (French)
189
-
JEWELLERY BOX MODELLED ON THE FAMOUS KHALAF PYXID
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,500 - €2,000
Voluntary lot
Description
JEWELLERY BOX MODELLED ON THE FAMOUS KHALAF PYXID
France or Spain, 19th century, modelled on an original made circa 966–968
Modelled on the pyx of the Hispanic Society of America (inv. D752), made of white metal worked in repoussé, cylindrical in shape with a domed lid, entirely decorated with a latticework of palmettes, a band inscribed in Kufic script at the base of the lid, copper and brass mountings adorned with green glass cabochons, the base decorated with a geometric motif, the interior lined with silk featuring a floral design, distortion of the hinge, small dents.
Height: 18.5 cm
This metal casket is modelled on the Umayyad-period ivory pyxis, crafted at Madinat al-Zahra around 966–968 and signed by the artist Khalaf, now in the collection of the Hispanic Society of America (inv. D752).
Related bibliography:
Ecker, Heather. *Caliphs and Kings: The Art and Influence of Islamic Spain*. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution: Hispanic Society of America, 2004, cat. 18, pp. 26, 125 and 166 (notably for the inscription, its transcription and its English translation).
Arabic inscription:
Manẓarī aḥsanu manẓarin Nahdun khūdin lam yuksar
Al-Ḥasan put on a robe embroidered with jewels
So I am a glance of musk, camphor and amber
Behind
(Manẓarī aḥsanu manẓarin Nahdun khūdin lam yuksar / Khalaʿa al‑ḥasnu ʿalā Ḥullatun turazzuhā bi‑jawharin /Fa‑anā ṭarfu li‑miskin khalfa Wa‑li‑kāfūrin wa‑ʿanbarin / Khalaf) –‘The sight I offer is the fairest of all; the firm bosom of a delicate young maiden. Beauty has clothed me in a splendid garment adorned with jewels. I am a receptacle for musk, camphor and ambergris. [Made by] Khalaf.”
A Jewellery Box Copied From the Umayyad Pyxis of Khalaf,
France or Spain, 19th century
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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