Shop clearance, new and antique items. Low start price.
Lot 6:
Not sold
Description
A Persian desk stand and stationery rack featuring traditional khatam-kari micro-inlay. The piece is constructed with a wooden frame entirely covered in a dense geometric marquetry consisting of six-pointed star motifs. These patterns are composed of thin rods of brass, wood, and bone or dyed bone tesserae. The top surface is set with two brass-toned metal tulip-shaped pen sockets designed to accommodate tapered desk pens. The central portion of the stand features a tiered letter or stationery rack decorated with matching inlay. Inset into the center of the base is a rectangular plaque featuring a miniature painting of two birds, possibly nightingales or pheasants, amidst floral blooms and foliage. This scene is rendered in blue, red, and yellow pigments and finished with a clear gloss lacquer. The underside of the stand shows a plain, light-colored wood grain and is raised on four rectangular wooden corner feet. The base bears no maker marks, signatures, or labels.
Condition report:
The khatam-kari inlay is largely intact across the surfaces, though a minor separation and small loss of tesserae are visible along the lower front-left edge of the base (photo 1). The central painted plaque remains in good condition with no visible crazing or lifting of the lacquer (photo 2). The brass-toned pen holders show surface oxidation and tarnishing consistent with age and use (photo 4). The wooden base and feet exhibit light scuffing and shelf wear (photo 3).
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