A LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ MIRROR CASE WITH QAJAR MAIDENS
Qajar Iran, 19th century

Of typical rectangular shape, polychrome-painted and lacquered, the front and back panels depicting Qajar maidens' portraits set in traditional Persian interiors, one playing the Persian tonbak (drum) in front of an appetising banquet with rice, meat skewers (kebab), and wine, the latter drinking from a small cup and staring outside the palace, both female characters wearing typical Qajar outfits with striped termeh shawls covering their heads enhanced with black heron aigrettes, the back of the front panel featuring a standing Qajar youth wearing a tall kaj kolah hat, 17.8cm x 11.8cm.