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Ⓛ Lacquered mirror case decorated with European figures
Iran…
See original version (French)
53
-
Ⓛ Lacquered mirror case decorated with European figures
Iran…
See original version (French)
Estimate €10,000 - €11,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Ⓛ Lacquered mirror case decorated with European figures
Iran, Qajar period, circa 1850
Lacquered and painted papier-mâché with polychrome and gold decoration on a black background. The case is decorated on all sides with scenes in the European farangi-sâzî style. The main composition depicts figures in an animated landscape, beneath a red draped curtain, while the other reserves present scenes inspired by Persian, Mughal and Western repertoires, inscribed in foliate cartouches. The borders are enriched with gilded foliage on a black background.
Condition: small chips.
Size: 28 x 18 cm (11 x 7.1 in.)
Provenance: Sotheby's London
Sotheby's London sale, 11 October 2006, lot 56; acquired by Aso O. Tavitian; then by descent.
This mirror case is similar to one in the Khalili collection attributed to Najaf 'Ali and Muhammad Isma'il (Khalili et al., 1997, cat. 233, pp. 36-38). In both cases, the main face is treated in a manner reminiscent of the monumental European style of Najaf 'Ali. The scene unfolds in an animated landscape, surmounted in one corner by a draped red curtain; it seems to have been influenced by a European engraving, as suggested by the sculptural modelling of the figures, the heavy drapery and the dotted treatment of the complexions.
The reverse of the case, meanwhile, is reminiscent of Muhammad Isma'il's 'Frankish' style: a central scene populated by small figures with rounded faces is set in a poly-lobed cartouche surrounded by small reserves depicting hunting scenes and various narrative episodes. The foliate decoration of the cartouche can also be compared to that of an example sold at Sotheby's, The Collection of the Berkeley Trust, 12 October 2006, lot 44.
A Qajar lacquered mirror case with European figures and medallions, comparable to works by Najaf 'Ali and Muhammad Isma'il, Iran, circa 1850.
Location:
The work is currently stored in London; please contact the department for further information.
Notes:
British VAT of 20% will apply to this lot currently located in London. In case of export from UK, VAT on sale fees can be refunded upon presentation of customs documentation.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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