*A QAJAR LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PEN CASE (QALAMDAN)

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Iran, 19th century

With square ends and hinged lid, the top painted in a vertical composition with a courtship scene depicting an elegant youth serving an enthroned crowned princess against a natural landscape, observed by a voyeur in the trees, the sides with idealised scenes of domestic nomadic life, including an European-style Rest on the Flight into Egypt with the Virgin and Child riding a donkey led by Joseph, the interior of the lid with The Sacrifice of Isaac in a vertical composition in European style, the interior in dark green, the base in lacquer red decorated with gold scrolling lotus motifs, shell-shaped hinges, chains on sides, hook front closure, 27cm x 6cm x 5cm.