UNIQUE AND MAGNIFICENT EMBROIDERED SILK WORK OF THE TAJ MAHAL.

UNIQUE AND MAGNIFICENT EMBROIDERED SILK WORK OF THE TAJ MAHAL. Mid 20th century, India. An exceptionally detailed 3-dimensional (rising up to 3/4″) rendering of the Taj Mahal and its formal gardens and reflecting pool. Wrought against a night sky. The mausoleum rendered in 3-dimensional detail includes a faithful rendition of the main spandrel depicting the polychrome floral scrolling vinery. Bordering the spandrel, the calligraphy on the pishtaq of the main portal has been carefully reproduced in metallic thread. Extending forward is the reflecting pool wrought in shades of blues and grays. The reflective image of the front of the mausoleum can be clearly seen. The windows woven in gold thread, the balustrades and friezes decorated with polychrome thread mimicking floral vinery. The gilded finial of the central dome is beautifully represented in gold thread. Framing the Taj Mahal the rendition of the four outer minarets places an added dimension to the whole. The formal gardens in the foreground bordered by 3-dimensional cypress shrubs representing the changes to the garden under British rule. Framing this tableau is a wide border of midnight blue velvet arabesques, the larger of which contain a 3-dimensional bejeweled flowering plant alternating with smaller arabesques, each with a single jeweled bloom. Further framed by a secondary border of single jeweled blooms above scrolling latticework. Jeweled flowers encompass approximately 1760 cabochons of which 10 appear to be sapphires, 680 appear to be emeralds, and 1070 appear to be rubies. Because of the variations of color in some of the stones we are approximating the proportion of sapphires to rubies. The floral borders represent the shrubbery found within the formal gardens. The whole within a beige velvet frame. Now mounted in a contemporary gold gilt frame behind plexiglass. This extraordinary work is the product of a 10 year endeavor by a father and son during which time the large embroidery of the Sacred Peacock was created. These two important works descended through the family until they were acquired by the current owner. They were first on public display in the Ivory Palace, a commercial outlet in Dehli, India. Subsequently, at the personal request of Indira Ghandi, the works were placed in the Pavilion of India during the 1967 International Exposition in Montreal Canada. At the conclusion of the exposition the ownership of the tapestries transferred to the current owner. SIZE: Sight: 67″ h x 92-1/2″ w. Frame: 80″ h x 105″ w. CONDITION: The floral border with strong, vibrant color accentuating the more subdued colors of the central panel. All of which remain as was originally intended. Therefore, in very fine condition overall. All jewels appear to be present. Two surface scratches to interior of plexiglass proper left side. Additionally a 1″ diagonal hairline crack in plexiglass proper upper left corner. 9-26419 (50,000-100,000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3579	$0.00	UNIQUE AND MAGNIFICENT EMBROIDERED SILK WORK OF THE TAJ MAHAL. Mid 20th century, India. An exceptionally detailed 3-dimensional (rising up to 3/4″) rendering of the Taj Mahal and its formal gardens and reflecting pool. Wrought against a night sky. The mausoleum rendered in 3-dimensional detail includes a faithful rendition of the main spandrel depicting the polychrome floral scrolling vinery. Bordering the spandrel, the calligraphy on the pishtaq of the main portal has been carefully reproduced in metallic thread. Extending forward is the reflecting pool wrought in shades of blues and grays. The reflective image of the front of the mausoleum can be clearly seen. The windows woven in gold thread, the balustrades and friezes decorated with polychrome thread mimicking floral vinery. The gilded finial of the central dome is beautifully represented in gold thread. Framing the Taj Mahal the rendition of the four outer minarets places an added dimension to the whole. The formal gardens in the foreground bordered by 3-dimensional cypress shrubs representing the changes to the garden under British rule. Framing this tableau is a wide border of midnight blue velvet arabesques, the larger of which contain a 3-dimensional bejeweled flowering plant alternating with smaller arabesques, each with a single jeweled bloom. Further framed by a secondary border of single jeweled blooms above scrolling latticework. Jeweled flowers encompass approximately 1760 cabochons of which 10 appear to be sapphires, 680 appear to be emeralds, and 1070 appear to be rubies. Because of the variations of color in some of the stones we are approximating the proportion of sapphires to rubies. The floral borders represent the shrubbery found within the formal gardens. The whole within a beige velvet frame. Now mounted in a contemporary gold gilt frame behind plexiglass. This extraordinary work is the product of a 10 year endeavor by a father and son during which time the large embroidery of the Sacred Peacock was created. These two important works descended through the family until they were acquired by the current owner. They were first on public display in the Ivory Palace, a commercial outlet in Dehli, India. Subsequently, at the personal request of Indira Ghandi, the works were placed in the Pavilion of India during the 1967 International Exposition in Montreal Canada. At the conclusion of the exposition the ownership of the tapestries transferred to the current owner. SIZE: Sight: 67″ h x 92-1/2″ w. Frame: 80″ h x 105″ w. CONDITION: The floral border with strong, vibrant color accentuating the more subdued colors of the central panel. All of which remain as was originally intended. Therefore, in very fine condition overall. All jewels appear to be present. Two surface scratches to interior of plexiglass proper left side. Additionally a 1″ diagonal hairline crack in plexiglass proper upper left corner. 9-26419 (50,000-100,000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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