IRAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Details

A QAJAR LACQUER PAPIER-MÂCHÉ CASKET
IRAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form on four feet with stepped lid, the finely painted decoration in gold and polychrome, the raised top panel depicting Fath-'Ali Shah Qajar surrounded by princes, the lid borders each with a long lobed cartouche depicting the hunt, the lid interior depicting Fath-'Ali Shah and his retinue hunting, the lid inner border with ten cartouches containing hunting vignettes, the decoration around the sides of the casket comprising further scenes of Fath-'Ali Shah hunting with spear and rifle, the interior plain, the base with floral decoration on a red ground within a thin polychrome floral border, some small chips to the lacquer and minor areas of repainting, otherwise in good condition.
16 ½ x 11 ½ x 8 5/8in. (42 x 29 x 22cm.)

Further details

Some countries prohibit or restrict the purchase and/or import of Iranian-origin property. Bidders must familiarise themselves with any laws or shipping restrictions that apply to them before bidding on these lots. For example, the USA prohibits dealings in and import of Iranian-origin “works of conventional craftsmanship” (such as carpets, textiles, decorative objects, and scientific instruments) without an appropriate licence. Christie’s has a general OFAC licence which, subject to compliance with certain conditions, would enable a buyer to import this type of lot into the USA. If you intend to use Christie’s licence, please contact us for further information before you bid.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Emilie Frontera Senior Sale Coordinator

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

efrontera@christies.com +44 (0) 20 7389 2029

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

"Those boxes in general, are splendidly painted and varnished; some contain, in various compartments on the lids, ends and sides, very interesting pictures executed in the best style of Persian miniature. The common subjects are battles and hunting-parties; but they often exhibit scenes from popular romances, among which the favourite seems to be Nizami's story, the loves of Khusrau and Shirin. All the fanciful devices above mentioned combine to decorate one sanduqcheh which I procured, but at a price not very moderate; for its cover is enriched with portraits of real and living personages; the king seated on his throne, attended by some of the princes and chief ministers. That a very strong resemblance appeared in the countenances, and that the attitudes, state-dresses and ornaments of the figures were most faithfully represented, was declared by several persons who had frequently been at court; and my own personal observation, soon after, confirmed the truth of their assertions." William Ouseley, Travels into various Countries of the East, vol. III, London, 1823, , pp.63-4.

The present casket is part of a small group caskets made of lacquered papier-mâché and decorated with courtly and literary scenes. It bears a close resemblance to the casket purchased by the British orientalist William Ouseley in Isfahan described above. Here, the kingly qualities of Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar are emphasized, the fine court scene on the top of the lid and the various hunting scenes that show Fath 'Ali Shah's prowess with both lance and rifle, culminating in the spearing of a lion on the inside of the lid.

A very closely comparable casket with a similar scene of Fath 'Ali Shah enthroned is in the Museum for Applied Arts, Hamburg (Inv. 1873.67). Another lacquered casket in this group, sold in These Rooms on 12 October 1999, lot 231, there depicting Shah Isma'il I in battle on the lid, and scenes from Persian literature on the sides. A fine Qajar casket with a different scene on the top and interior of the lid was sold in these Rooms, 31 March 2022, lot 69 and another 12 October 2004, lot 95.

More from Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds including Rugs and Carpets

View All