Page 98 - South East Asian Art, December 4th 2020 Galerie Zacke Galerie Zacke

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Last Shah of Iran

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the last Shah (king) of Iran
from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow in the Iranian
revolution on 11 February 1979. He was the second and last
monarch of the House of Pahlavi, following in his father reza
Shah’s footsteps. His dream of what he referred to as a “Great
Civilisation” in Iran led to a rapid modernization of industry
and military, as well as economic and social reforms, ultimately
laying the foundation of the modern Iranian state. The Imperial Family of Iran at the Niavaran Palace yard, 1970s

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A PeRsIAN NecKlAce WITh 27 gARNeTs,
eX-cOllecTION MOhAMMAd ReZA PAhlAVI

Persia, Hellenistic period, 4th-1st century BC. The ancient necklace consisting of
27 garnets of irregular shape, the semi-translucent stones of a fine dark blood-
red color. The stones were found near Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia.
They are held together by a modern plastic string and gold clasp.
This piece was personally examined by Burmese American archaeologist and
gemologist Terence Tan, a leading expert in Pyu art and Burmese gemstones,
and Hungarian gemologist Dr. József Takács. Their analysis finds that the stones
are antique red garnet of very high quality from yemen or Ethiopia and traded
to the Persian Empire. The stones are original, ancient, cut, bored, and ground.
The color of the stones is original and natural. The stones have been cleaned
by hand while preserving the fine original ancient patina. The holes are ancient,
handmade, and irregular. A certificate signed by Dr. Zelnik attesting to the above
will be handed to the winning bidder upon request.

Provenance: Ex-collection of the imperial family of Mohammad reza Pahlavi, last
Shah of Iran (a letter of provenance signed by Dr. Zelnik will be handed out to the
winning bidder upon request). Ex-Collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian
Gold Museum, acquired from the above. Institutional art collection in Belgium,
acquired from the above.
condition: Very good condition with expected minor traces of age and wear.
Weight: 128.8 g
Dimensions: Length 39 cm

estimate euR 10,000
Starting price EUr 5,000

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