IRAN, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A QAJAR PAPIER MACHÉ LACQUER PENCASE (QALAMDAN)
IRAN, 19TH CENTURY
Of typical form with rounded ends and sliding tray, the edges of the tray cut with an elegant cusped design, painted in polychrome lacquer highlighted with gold with depictions of Persian kings including Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar, Feridun, Manuchehr and Iskandar in oval cartouches with gold foliate borders, the scenes with nasta'liq captions, the interior of the tray with hunting scenes, the exterior with depictions of Sufi gatherings also with captions in elegant nasta'liq, in good overall condition with small areas of rubbing around the edge of the tray
8¾in. (22.2cm.) long

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

Sale room notice

Please note that this qalamdan is signed Haidar 'Ali.

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Sara Plumbly

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Lot Essay

The illustrations on the lid of this qalamdan include a central depiction of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar surrounded by Kay Khusraw enthroned with Afrasiyab, Garsivaz and Rustam to one side and Faridun with Manoucher on a throne to the other along with Kay Kawus and Kay Khusraw surrounded by courtiers. Around the sides are pictures of Bahram Gur in the various pavilions and small portraits of Iranian kings and heroes include Darab, Iskandar, Isfandiyar and Bahman. One end of the box has an illustration of Sultan Sanjar and the old woman. The other end depicts Kisra (Chosroes). The interior includes depictions of Sufis including Nur 'Ali Shah, Shaykh 'Attar, al-Hallaj, Ma'sum 'Ali Shah, Mushtaq 'Ali Shah and scenes from various Shaykh's lives.

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