A Talismanic Birthchart

QAJAR PERSIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Talismanic Birthchart
Qajar Persia, late 19th century
Red, blue, and black ink heightened with gold on gazelle skin, the main body of the chart with a central vertical band of diagonal blue and black naskh dividing square panels each containing grids of smaller squares containing brief diagonal inscriptions, the central panels with cartouches of diagonal gold naskh, larger similar long panels at each side and square panels at each end, gold interlinear bands between green and black rules, excellent condition, framed and glazed
16 x 7 3/8in. (40.5 x 18.7cm.)

Provenance

Bibi Mah Begum Bakhtiari, thence by descent to the present owner.

Lot Essay

Both this and the following two lots were commissioned by Bibi Mah Begum Bakhtiari, wife of Morteza Quli Khan Bakhtiari (1877-1945). They were commissioned for the safekeeping and health of her children at birth, particularly as she had had a number of miscarriages. Morteza Quli Khan was the second most powerful of all the Bakhtiari at the time of their greatest power early this century. His wife was known for her excellent taste and had the most property in both land and riches among the Bakhtiari ladies.

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