A LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ MIRROR CASE WITH FLORAL MOTIFS
Qajar Iran, mid to late 19th century

Of typical rectangular shape, the mirror case painted in polychromes, heightened in gold, and lacquered, the front and back covers decorated with the traditional Persian topos of the rose and nightingale (gol-o-bolbol), showcasing the nightingale perched on a rose stem surrounded by smaller rosettes and foliage, both compositions set against a light brown background, the back cover framed within concentric decorative borders with stylised vegetal sprays, the inner panel of the front cover decorated with a single purple iris flower against a plain amber ground, 24.3cm x 15cm.