Lot 254: A PERSIAN PIERCED STEEL PROCESSIONAL ALAM, SAFAVID, 17TH CENTURY

A Persian processional standard (‘alam) of mandorla form, surmounted by a trilobed scalloped finial. The body is constructed from steel with intricate shabaka (pierced openwork) decoration featuring a ground of scrolling foliate arabesques and calligraphic motifs. The standard is detailed with gold-damascened borders, a central vertical spine on both sides, and decorative medallions. The front displays a large semi-circular medallion and a lobed medallion at the base. The lower medallion is inscribed in Naskh script with the name Abbas bin Ali and the name Lutf Ali, likely denoting a patron or maker. The larger medallion above features the invocations Ya Qadi al-Hajat (O Judge of Needs) and Ya Ghiyath al-Mustaghithin (O Succour of those who seek succour). The reverse features a matching lobed medallion at the base containing the name Hussein. The object is fitted with a central support spine that terminates in a mounting tang at the base, and includes a horizontal reinforcement brace on the reverse.

L: 40cm