Lot 266
266
A POLYCHROME LACQUER PAPIER MÂCHÉ VANITY CASE
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 2… Read more VARIOUS PROPERTIES
A POLYCHROME LACQUER PAPIER MÂCHÉ VANITY CASE

SIGNED BY MUHAMMAD 'ALI ASHRAF, IRAN, DATED AH 1147/1753-54 AD

Details
A POLYCHROME LACQUER PAPIER MÂCHÉ VANITY CASE
SIGNED BY MUHAMMAD 'ALI ASHRAF, IRAN, DATED AH 1147/1753-54 AD
Of rectangular form with hinged cover, the front and back painted with a design of gul-o-bulbul against a black ground framed by floral borders, the sides with floral meander against a black ground, the interior with an ogival cartouche containing similar bird and flower motifs against a gold glitter ground and floral borders, the bottom edge sliding out to reveal a tray with compartments for toiletries painted in red and gold, mirror later, slight cracking to lacquer, signed on front cover 'Ali Ashraf and dated 1147
8¼ x 5 7/8in. (20.9 x 15cm.)
Provenance
Anon sale in these Rooms, 15 October 1996, lot 210
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

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Lot Essay

'Ali Ashraf was trained by the master Muhammad Zaman. It has been suggested that his signature 'zi ba'd-i Muhammad 'ali ashraf ast' (After Muhammad, 'Ali is most noble), is a mark of respect to his former master Muhammad Zaman. A book binding signed by 'Ali Ashraf in the Khalili collection dated to AH 1168/1754-5 AD is very similar (Nasser D. Khalili, B.W. Robinson and Tim Stanley, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands, vol.I, London, 1996, pl.63, p.96).

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