IRAN, SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

An almost identical depiction of women kneeling before a high priest, very probably painted by the same artist in the style of Najaf 'Ali is found on another mirror case, although rectangular and with hinged cover, illustrated in B.W. Robinson, Eastern Lacquer at Bernheimer Fine Arts Ltd., London, 1986, cat.17, p.32. Another scene with the Holy Family being attended by angels and which may be attributed to Najaf 'Ali shows a similar style, particularly the manner in which are depicted the heavy folds of the draped robes. The mirror case is attributed to mid-19th century Isfahan (Nasser D. Khalili, B.W. Robinson and Tim Stanley, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands, Oxford, 1997, vol.II, cat.233, pp.36-37).