Pen Box Depicting Shaykh San'an and the Christian Maiden

attributed to Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani Iranian

1860s

Not on view

This kiyani or imperial pen box by SaniꜤ al-Mulk, a painter at the court 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 covered with audience scenes depicting the historic and legendary rulers of Iran, mostly from Firdausi’s Shahnama or Book of Kings and popular Sufi tales. Such elaborate pen boxes were created as presentation pieces for the shah, his court, and other members of the wealthy elite.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Pen Box Depicting Shaykh San'an and the Christian Maiden
Artist: attributed to Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani (Iranian, 1814–1892)
Date: 1860s
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Dimensions: H. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm.)
W. 1 9/16 in. (4 cm.)
L. 9 1/16 in. (23 cm.)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Purchase, 2017 and 2018 NoRuz at The Met Benefits, 2023
Object Number: 2023.503
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Mirror Case Depicting the Meeting of Nasir al-Din Mirza and Tsar Nicholas I in Erivan and Satin Pouch, Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani Iranian, a) Pasteboard, opaque color, watercolor, gold under a lacquer varnish<br/>b) Satin pouch with metal wrapped embroidery — Mirror Case Depicting the Meeting of Nasir al-Din Mirza and Tsar Nicholas I in Erivan and Satin Pouch
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