Page 89 - 2021 April 1, ART OF THE ISLAMIC AND Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs, Christie's London

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A STUDY OF A BLACK BEAR A GROUP OF FANS (PANKHA)
ATTRIBUTED TO SHEIKH MUHAMMAD AMIR OF KARRAYA, MADRAS, INDIA, 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY
CALCUTTA, MID-19TH CENTURY
The first decorated in gold and polychrome with an array of blossoming
Pencil, ink and watercolour on paper, with identifying inscription above in black poppies, peonies and other flowers on a ground of scrolling vine, the reverse
nasta'liq, signed lower left, mounted on fabric backing, minor creases and faint with similar flowers surrounding two facing peacocks, each side with a
discolouration, otherwise good condition cartouche beneath the handle with a sword; the second decorated in gold and
19¡ x 28in. (49 x 71cm.) polychrome with panels of peacock feathers on a green ground, the reverse
with an array of flowers and floral vine on polychrome panels, the reverse with
£5,000-7,000 US$7,000-9,800
a panel beneath the handle inscribed 'The Hon Sir Arthur Lawley | K.C.M.G.,
€5,800-8,100
G.C.I.E. | Governor', the third with painted floral decoration, the fourth plain
with colourful embroidered ribbons along the outer edge, overall very good
Muhammad Amir was an influential artist working for the British in Calcutta
condition
during the second quarter of the 19th Century. Working at a time of great
prosperity, he proffered his talent like a tradesperson, touring Calcutta in
The largest 27º x 20 in. (69 x 51cm.)
search of individual commissions. He delighted his patrons with paintings of
their houses, carriages, horses and servants. One of his best clients was the £6,000-8,000 US$8,400-11,000
businessman, Thomas Holroyd, for whom he painted many such scenes. The €7,000-9,200
albums executed for Holroyd were presented to the Oriental Club in 1839 and PROVENANCE:
are now dispersed in public and private collections. The Hon Sir Arthur Lawley, 6th Baron Wenlock, GCSI, GCIE, KCMG
Formerly in the Collection of Eustace Gibbs, 3rd Baron Wraxall, KCVO, CMG.
The style and high degree of finish evident in the present watercolour are
typical of Muhammad Amir, but subject matter is less common than the Sir Arthur Lawley was made Governor of Madras on 28th December 1905
horses, grooms and paddocks for which he is best known, making it possible and kept the position until 3rd November 1911, his eldest brother Beilby
that the signature was later added (See S. C. Welch, Room For Wonder: Indian Lawley, 3rd Baron Wenlock, having previously held the post from 1891 to
Painting during the British Period 1760-1880, New York, 1978, p. 71, no. 23). 1896. The fans were probably given to Lawley as part of a ceremonial gesture
Another painting signed by the artist which depicts a juggler with his dancing of gratitude. A similar example is preserved at the British Museum (acc.no.
bear, monkey and goa was sold in these Rooms, 22 May 2008, lot 67. As1960,10.91) which also originates from Madras.
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