Funerary panel for an Iranian lady, 1646

Source: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LOTDETAIL.ASP?sid=&intObjectID=4272514&SE=CMWCAT03+679376+%2D720864578+&QR=M+1+0+Aqc0000900+646852++Aqc0000900+&entry=india&SU=1&RQ=True&AN=1
(downloaded Apr. 2004)

"A MASHHAD BLUE, BLACK AND WHITE FUNERARY PANEL, NORTH EAST IRAN, DATED 1 DHU'L HIJJA AH 1055 18 JANUARY 1646 AD. Of arched formed, the white ground painted with a five line nasta'liq inscription below a panel depicting favourite items of the deceased, in a border of roundels set against fine diaper panels, chips to surface, firing crack, wooden frame. 15 1/8 x 9 7/8in. (38.5 x 25cm.)

Lot Notes: The Persian inscription informs us of the tomb of a lady, "Fatimah daughter of Nurullah Darbandi," who died on 1st dhu'l-hijja, the year 1055.

A similar underglaze blue and black tombstone which includes panels of Chinese designs in the border is in the Linden Museum, Stuttgart (Kalter, Johannes: Linden-Museum Stuttgart, Abteilungsführer Islamischer Orient, Stuttgart, 1987, pl.89, p.95). In contrast to the more sober interests demonstrated in the upper panel of the present tombstone, that example shows a horse, a trophy of weapons, a hawk and, occupying pride of place at the top, a bottle enshrined within a niche. The date on that example is poorly written, especially the last figure, but has been read as either 1052/1641-2 or 1054/1643-4, very close indeed to the present date."