Lacquer Mirror Case
The exquisitely painted mirror case has a tan ground covered with a graceful gold grapevine scroll over which the main design has been painted in delicate shades of black. The artist, Fathallah Shirazi, has signed his name and given the date (1295/1878) on one side of the case. The inscription on the other side alludes to the patron but does not give his name. Fathallah was court painter to Nasir al-Din Shah (r. 1848–96), and was highly regarded for his lacquerwork, which is known primarily from a number of penboxes. These most often have a black ground onto which oval scrolls and swags of roses are painted in gold. On this mirror case, however, a variety of sleek birds and robust butterflies are scattered among branches bearing a dazzling array of sumptuous blossoms and bursting buds. This early work of the painter would appear to be the only known example in this particular style.
Artwork Details
- Title: Lacquer Mirror Case
- Artist: Painting by Fathallah Shirazi (Iranian, active 1850s–80s)
- Date: dated 1295 AH/1878 CE
- Geography: Made in Iran
- Medium: Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and lacquered
- Dimensions: H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
W. 6 1/16 in. (15.4 cm)
D. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) - Classification: Lacquer
- Credit Line: Gift of Irma B. Wilkinson, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.460.2a, b
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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