A COCO-DE-MER BEGGAR'S BOWL (KASHKUL), A GOLD DAMASCENED STEEL CRUTCH, ONE SET OF PRAYER BEADS (TASBIH), IRAN, 19TH CENTURY AND LATER

A COCO-DE-MER BEGGAR'S BOWL (KASHKUL), A GOLD DAMASCENED STEEL CRUTCH, ONE SET OF PRAYER BEADS (TASBIH)
IRAN, 19TH CENTURY AND LATER
The first engraved with a seated Sufi ascetic within a cusped medallion against scrolling foliage, two calligraphic palmettes above and below, another cartouche with a seated ruler; the second of typical shape with square section, the body with Nad-i ‘Ali prayer within
two lobed calligraphic cartouches; the second with unidentifed Persian poetry; the tasbih stringed with hundred and one beads, together with a large Bektashi star ornament
The beggar's bowl 9 ¾in. (24.9cm.) long. the steel crutch 27 ¼in. (69cm.) long

Special Notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Post Lot Text
A characteristic note by Oliver Hoare in his catalogue ends: The true source of the nut was discovered in 1768, it was believed to grow on a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea. The nuts were much in demand from the 16th century onwards for the cabinets of curiosities of nobles and kings across Europe, and commanded high prices. Their pleasing resemblance to a woman’s buttocks is reflected in its archaic botanical name, Ludoicea callipyge, which in Greek means ‘beautiful rump'.