Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes

Sani' Humayun Iranian

Not on view

This kiyani or imperial penbox by one of the court painters of the fifth Qajar ruler, Muzaffar al-Din Shah (1896–1907) is covered with minute paintings. Every surface including the frame, the sides and undersides and interior of the sliding drawers are painted. The paintings consist of audience scenes showing the historic and legendary rulers of Iran, mostly drawn from the Shahnama or Book of Kings. It is a celebration of Persian kingship. These were produced as presentation pieces for the shah, his court, and other members of the wealthy elite. The surfaces of the sliding tray depict popular Sufi scenes. The box is both signed and dated.

Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished

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Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun (Iranian), Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished

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