IRAN, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY

Details

A ZAND POLYCHROME LACQUER PAPIER MACHE MAN'S MIRROR CASE
IRAN, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY
Of circular form with separate cover, the black front and back each with a central flowerhead issuing a very dense arrangement of flowering gold stems, in a border of cartouches containing similar flowering sprays and flowerheads between gold stripes, the red sides with simple gold floral designs, the interior of the cover with an elegantly written seven-line red and black naskh inscription between gold clouds, minimal chips, generally excellent condition
5in. (12.9cm.) diam.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The prayers inside are to be recited when you look in the mirror and when combing your beard. The first translates: "Praise be to God who created me, beautified me and fashioned me and beautified my face and embellished in me and honoured me with Islam"; the second: "O God! beautify my hair and my skin and make them both delightful and keep the plague away from me"

A circular mirror case signed by 'Ali Ashraf and dated AH 1160/1747-8 AD is in the Khalili Collection (Nasser D. Khalili, B.W.Robinson and Tim Stanley: Lacquer of the Islamic Lands, London, 1997, part 1, no.51, p.83).

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