15th-16th century A.D. Carved in limestone with a D-shaped frame enclosing openwork panel with fronds of leaves and flowers and a pair of addorsed doves and a median rosette; mounted on a custom-made stand; from north India region. 20 kg total, 74.5 cm wide including stand (29 3/8 in.).

with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.202355. The motif of two birds flanking a plant on which they stand is well-known from Late Antique and Byzantine art, although the central stem is usually a cross or christogram in such cases e.g. on the left side of the sarcophagus of St. Savino, Fusignano, Italy. Islamic art generally does not favour the inclusion of naturalistic representations of living beings.