*A CHINESE SPINACH JADE BOWL WITH ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
China, 19th century

Of rounded shape with a gently splayed rim, resting on a thin straight circular foot, the exterior deeply carved with four lobed cartouches of Eastern Kufic calligraphic script with the call to the prayer (Allah o Akbar), Allah ul-Samad (from the Sura al Fath, 48), and the beginning of the shahada, each cartouche interspersed with a vegetal composition made of a stylised lotus flower and lush leaves, the interior with the inventory sticker of the Iranian Princess Soraya's collection, 18cm diam.

Provenance: Beaussant Lefevre, Vente de la Succession de Son Altesse Imperiale la Princesse Soraya, Paris, 29 - 31 May 2002, lot 808.

A similar spinach jade bowl, attributed to the 18th century and without Arabic calligraphy, sold in Christie's South Kensington, 3 April 2012, lot 314.

Dimensions: 18cm diam.