DECCAN, CENTRAL INDIA, 17TH CENTURY

The ‘alam, or processional standard, plays a central role in the Shi’i commemoration of the death of Imam Husayn on the day of ‘Ashura. Although the designs of ‘alams from the Deccan in many ways follow those of Safavid Iran, particularly in their use of a pierced metal, the use of brass is a notable departure from the pierced steel that characterizes Safavid standards. For an overview of the history of the 'alam in Shi'i commemorative processions, see James W. Allan, The Art and Architecture of Twelver Shi'ism: Iraq, Iran and the Indian Sub-Continent, London, 2012, especially pp. 121-138.

The name ‘Qasim’ added to one of the roundels may be that of the maker, a known practice on processional standards. See for example a standard sold in these Rooms on 20 April 1999, lot 556.