Lot Essay
The box contains two pieces of paper. The first has the verses copied out in an elegant hand. The second, signed by Sir Charles Murray, British Ambassador in Iran 185 - 185 , translates the verses. The second sheet is on paper watermarked with the date 1856. These verses eulogise the patron, Fakr al-Din, son of Ca'an, the reigning prince of Shiraz:
How for is this painting adorned by the light of His countenance. From its extreme brightness it may be likened to sunshine
From its brilliancy, he must be of heavenly race, from its brilliance of Paradise. If you doubt it, only look on the rosebud of his face
This Kalemdan (sic) is like the throne of Solomon, for thereon are seen on one side of it the hostile fiends, on the other Solomon himself.
Had Iskandar known of the blackness found in this Kalemdan, he would not have gone to Hades in search of the waters of life.
On seeing this fair work Abu Fazl himself would be astounded, in envy at it's (sic) oblong shape and the living forms on it's polished surface.
Enough of it's praise, since all it's beauty is derived from the favour and protection of the 'Glory of the World'.
The commander of the Nations, Fakhr-ed-Dyn son of Kaân. The firmament is but as a salt cellar at the corner of his table!
Honor (sic) is his treasury; his is the height of Liberality. A Prince under whose shadow the sun is glad to dwell!
Sir Charles Murray was the second son of the 5th Earl of Dunmore. After serving as Master of Queen Victoria's household, he represented her at several courts, including that of Teheran in the 1850's. His last appointment was that of extra groom in waiting.
How for is this painting adorned by the light of His countenance. From its extreme brightness it may be likened to sunshine
From its brilliancy, he must be of heavenly race, from its brilliance of Paradise. If you doubt it, only look on the rosebud of his face
This Kalemdan (sic) is like the throne of Solomon, for thereon are seen on one side of it the hostile fiends, on the other Solomon himself.
Had Iskandar known of the blackness found in this Kalemdan, he would not have gone to Hades in search of the waters of life.
On seeing this fair work Abu Fazl himself would be astounded, in envy at it's (sic) oblong shape and the living forms on it's polished surface.
Enough of it's praise, since all it's beauty is derived from the favour and protection of the 'Glory of the World'.
The commander of the Nations, Fakhr-ed-Dyn son of Kaân. The firmament is but as a salt cellar at the corner of his table!
Honor (sic) is his treasury; his is the height of Liberality. A Prince under whose shadow the sun is glad to dwell!
Sir Charles Murray was the second son of the 5th Earl of Dunmore. After serving as Master of Queen Victoria's household, he represented her at several courts, including that of Teheran in the 1850's. His last appointment was that of extra groom in waiting.