QAJAR IRAN, DATED 26 RAJAB AH 1263/10 JULY 1847 AD

Details

A LACQUER PAPIER-MÂCHÉ MIRROR CASE
QAJAR IRAN, DATED 26 RAJAB AH 1263/10 JULY 1847 AD
The exterior with a depiction of Nadir Shah enthroned, the mirror with floral decoration in the spandrels, each side with poetic verses in nasta'liq and naskh within lobed cartouches, dated on the mirrored side, flap now lacking, framed
12 x 8 ½in. (30.5 x 21.6cm.)

Engraved

On the reverse: Poetry in praise of Muhammad Shah
On the interior: Poetry and date

Special notice

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Lot Essay

During the reign of Muhammad Shah (r. 1834–48), commissions of life-size and monumental paintings declined and court patronage shifted to small-scale paintings, in particular lacquer. The Khalili collection houses a few lacquer objects that bear portraits of Muhammad Shah. These include a book cover, penbox and a mirror case which illustrate Muhammad Shah seated on a throne as he is depicted on our example (see Stanley, 1996, pp.170-176, no.128-130).

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