Molded pottery tile wall panel of turquoise and cobalt blue, early 14th century A.D. Surface features floral relief detailing with six central stellar cobalt-blue glazed sections for each formed square. Size: 1223mm x 870mm/48.15in x 34.3in. Weight: 40.03kg/88lbs. 4oz. Formerly the property of a UK Islamic art professional. Photos – courtesy of Apollo Art Auctions ©
On December 14, Apollo Art Auctions invites collectors and enthusiasts to a stunning exploration of Islamic and Asian artistry with a 348-lot sale featuring rare and historically significant pieces. This meticulously curated event offers a museum-quality selection of Islamic, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Tibetan artworks, spanning from 3000 BC to the 19th century AD. The live auction begins at 1 PM GMT (8 AM US Eastern), with online bidding available for global participation.
Prestige in Every Detail
Each item in the auction is backed by impeccable provenance, with highlights including Islamic and Indian artefacts once owned by renowned collectors such as Henri René d’Allemagne and the Marquis de Ganay. The Southeast Asian collection features exquisite Chinese works from the holdings of Phillip Allen and the late Roslyn Willett’s estate.
Among the treasures is an extraordinary Sogdian silver incense burner from the 7th–8th century AD, sculpted in the shape of an elephant carrying an ornately dressed rider. Signed by the artisan “Fazil” or “Faisal,” the piece showcases intricate floral motifs and an openwork structure reminiscent of Asian palace art. Measuring 260mm x 900mm (10.2in x 35in), this masterpiece traces its provenance to a European collector and, earlier, to Mr. Nathan Axtel, who acquired it in London in 1979. Its opening bid is set at £400,000 ($510,282), and a full historical report accompanies the piece.
Also on offer is a 14th-century molded pottery tile wall panel in vibrant turquoise and cobalt blue, featuring floral reliefs and six cobalt-glazed stellar sections. Measuring 1223mm x 870mm (48.15in x 34.3in) and weighing over 40kg (88lbs.), this imposing piece reflects the elegance of Islamic architectural design. Previously owned by a UK-based Islamic art expert, it opens for bidding at £20,000 ($25,520).
The Tibetan and Indian selections include a Nepalese Licchavi Period gilded bronze bodhisattva from the 9th–10th century AD. This intricately adorned figure—complete with necklaces, armlets, and earrings—hails from a pivotal era in Himalayan Buddhist art. With provenance tracing to a UK private collection and earlier purchases on the London art market in the 1990s, it carries an opening bid of £20,000 ($25,520).
Rare and extraordinary Sogdian (7th-8th century A.D.) silver incense burner sculpted as elephant with rider and bearing Arabic signature of Fazil or Faisal. Size: 260mm x 900mm wide (10.2in x 35in). Distinguished provenance.
Event Details
Apollo’s Fine Islamic, Indian & Chinese Art Auction takes place on December 14, 2024, as a live gallery event with seamless online bidding options available via Apollo’s platform or LiveAuctioneers.
Preview Period: December 9–13, by appointment only, from 10 AM to 5 PM daily
Gallery Location: 63–64 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SW
Accepted Payments: GBP, USD, EUR
Worldwide Shipping: Items are carefully packed in-house by Apollo’s white-gloved specialists, with no import charges for most US-bound antiquities.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of fine art, this event offers a rare opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces of history. For additional details, contact Apollo Art Auctions or visit their website to register for the event.
