Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes

dated 1314 AH/1896–97 CE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 462

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes
Artist: Sani' Humayun (Iranian)
Date: dated 1314 AH/1896–97 CE
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Dimensions: H. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.)
W. 1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm.)
L. 9 1/2 in. (24.2 cm.)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Purchase, 2017 and 2018 NoRuz at The Met Benefits, 2023
Object Number: 2023.502a, b
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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