Standard (Alam) in the shape of a calligraphic falcon, perforated gilt copper, Mughal, probably 17th century.

The alam is made of perforated gilt copper, its Arabic calligraphy enclosed within a frame in the shape of a bird of prey.

The letters are those of the Shia Muslim prayer, the Nadi cAli, or 'Call to Ali'.

Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq.

This was part of a collection of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan art objects that was purchased in 1913 from Imre Leonard Schwaiger was a well-respected London and Delhi-based dealer in gems, jewellery and eastern works of art. He was of Hungarian descent and, as a young man, he travelled to India where he became expert in appraising them, later becoming the foremost dealer and agent in such objects.
He built up a list of important clients and was friends with Jacques Cartier, looking after Cartier's interests in Delhi and acting as the company's agent in the purchase of gems, jewellery and objets d'art. Schwaiger was also responsible for introducing Cartier to all of the maharajas and other royals during his visit to India for the Dehi Durbar in 1911.
Imre Schwaiger developed a close working relationship with both the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum, assisting them with a number of acquisitions. He also generously donated a number of valuable objects to both institutions.

Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq., 39, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1912-3057M

This standard, or alam, would have been used in religious processions and is made of perforated gilt copper. The ornamental calligraphy arranged within a frame in the form of a bird of prey is the Shia Muslim prayer, the Nad-i cAli, or 'Call to Ali', praising the son-in-law of the Prophet. The standard is thought to have been made in Delhi in the 17th century and was bought by the museum in 1913 from Imre Schwaiger, the famous Hungarian dealer who lived in that city, for £8.

IM.163-1913