AN INDIAN TEAK MODEL OF THE QUTB MINAR, 19TH CENTURY AND LATER

AN INDIAN TEAK MODEL OF THE QUTB MINAR 19TH CENTURY AND LATER The modern upper three tiers added in poplar, together with a 19th century photograph of the tower, marked and numbered Saché 133.B, mounted framed and glazed 251cm high overall Provenance: Christie's London, The Manor House at Clifton Hampden, the Collection of Christopher Gibbs, 25-26 September 2000, lot 137 Christie's London, An Adventurous Spirit: An Important Private Collection Sold To Benefit A Charitable Foundation, where purchased by Count Manfredi della Gherardesca, 13 December 2018, lot 62 (where upper three sections were added) Literature:J. Musson, 'The Manor House at Clifton Hampden, Oxfordshire: The home of Mr Christopher Gibbs', Country Life, 26 October 2000, fig. 6. This model represents the red sandstone tower, the Qutb Minar in Delhi, built in 1193-1230 for Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, to commemorate the victory of Islam over the infidel, as illustrated by the decorative carving adorning the walls 'to cast the shadow of God over both east and west'. When sold from the collection of Christopher Gibbs, this model was initially depicted as it did prior to the rebuilding of the upper stories by Firoz Shah between 1288-93. More recently, the late owner of this model commissioned the upper stories to complete the model to reflect the tower as it was when painted by an annonymous Delhi artist in c. 1830 (British Library, Ms. Add. Or. 4034). The painting shows what was then considered a controversial cupola added in 1828 by the garrison engineer of Delhi, Colonel Robert Smith, who was tasked with the restoration of some of the Mughal monuments including the Red Fort and the Jami Masjid. The cupola was taken down in 1848 as it did not match the Sultanate structure under the instructions of Viscount Hardinge, who was the Governor General of India. It was reinstalled at the ground level to the east of the Qutb Minar where it has become known as 'Smith's Folly'. Condition Report: Wear, marks, knocks and scratches as per age, handling, use, and cleaning. The later top section detaches easily- and breaks down into smaller sections. Earlier part breaks down into two sections with central concealed screw fitment- it looks to have been cleaned and polished subsequent to acquisition at the Gibbs sale. Original base section approximately 160.5cm high and its base approximately 38cm wideSome shrinkage flaws- mild edge wear- base with some small knocks and wear around base edge Please see additional images for visual references to condition which form part of this condition report. All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders; please refer to Condition 6 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers. This is particularly true for garden related items. All lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Potential buyers should note that condition reports are matters of opinion only, they are non-exhaustive and based solely on what can be seen to the naked eye unless otherwise specified by the cataloguer. We must advise you that we are not professional restorers or conservators and we do not provide any guarantee or warranty as to a lot's condition. Accordingly, it is recommended that prospective buyers inspect lots or have their advisors do so and satisfy themselves as to condition and accuracy of description. If you have physically viewed an item for which you request a report, the condition report cannot be a reason for cancelling a sale. Buyers are reminded that liability for loss and damage transfers to the buyer from the fall of the hammer. Whilst the majority of lots will remain in their location until collected, we can accept no responsibility for any damage which may occur, even in the event of Dreweatts staff assisting carriers during collection Condition Report Disclaimer