Qajar-Era Court Mirror in Lacquered Wood, 19th Century

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This exquisite two-panel travel mirror is a refined testament to the art of lacquer under the Qajar dynasty in the … Read more This exquisite two-panel travel mirror is a refined testament to the art of lacquer under the Qajar dynasty in the mid-19th century. Crafted with exceptional precision, this cabinet piece opens to reveal a double narrative and symbolic scene.
The left panel unveils an intimate court scene in an idyllic garden, where figures in richly colored traditional costumes mingle beneath a flowering tree, evoking the poetry and art of living of imperial Isfahan. The right panel illustrates the classic theme of "Gul-o-Bulbul" (the rose and the nightingale), a metaphor for love and spiritual seeking, treated here with remarkable floral exuberance.
The exterior and borders are adorned with delicate gold decoration on a black background, featuring scrolling foliage, flowers, and boteh (paisley motifs) typical of Islamic art of this period. Inside, the two original mercury mirrors display authentic oxidation that underscores their history and timeless charm. Period metal hinges ensure perfect functionality.
This collector's item, in its original condition and beautifully patinated by time, is a striking object of interest for a discerning interior. It embodies the splendor of qalamdan art and the technical refinement of the 19th-century. See less