rectangular, embroidered in mustard yellow, ochre and gold thread with two mounted falconers amongst a landscape of trees, flowering plants and birds
70 x 100 cm.

Footnotes

Falconry and hunting, favourite pastimes of the Persian elite, were much-preferred subjects among Safavid artists and appeared in many media from textiles to miniatures. The topic was so common with weavers that it even gave rise to a particular rug type, the hunting carpet. A type of hunting, falconry was particularly appreciated for "its protocol, the detailed training and grooming of the birds, the merits of the various species, and the thrill of the hunt," see C. Bier, Woven from the Soul, Spun from the Heart, Washington, DC, 1987, no. 10, p. 154. Both Persian and Western accounts described Safavid fascination with falconry that was not only seen as a popular pastime but also a symbol of sophistication and wealth. In his book, Travels in Persia, Thomas Herbert gave a vivid depiction of the colourful entourage of a Persian lord. According to Herbert, the train included "thirty comely youths, who were vested in crimson satin coats; their tulipants were silk and silver... they were girded with rich hilted swords in embroidered scabbards; they had hawks upon their fists, each hood set with stones of value," see T. Herbert, Travels in Persia, 1627-1629, London, 1928, p. 79. Later in his book, Herbert praised falcons for their role in the hunt and notes that these birds were used more effectively than dogs (p. 243).

Another fragment with the same design was sold in these rooms Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, Part I, 23rd April 2013, lot 62.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:
Buyer's Premium Rates
28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price;
27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000;
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.

A Safavid silk and gilt-thread lampas weave Fragment depicting falconers Persia, 16th Century

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Ask about this lot

Matthew Thomas