A SAFAVID PIERCED STEEL PROCESSIONAL STANDARD ('ALAM)

Iran, dated 1088 AH (1677)

Of typical drop-like shape, with flaring spikes at the top, two dragons' heads fitted to the sides, standing on a tapering cylindrical shaft with compressed globular spacer, the main panel pierced with spiralling vegetal tendrils around the names of Allah, Muhammad, 'Ali and Fatima, the central panel highlighted by a brass frame with openwork palmette decoration to the top, 64cm high.

For a similar example, please see Christie's London, 11 October 2005, lot 116.