Vanity Box

Muhammad Baqir

dated A.H. 1204/1789 CE · Papier-maché and pasteboard; painted and lacquered · Islamic Art

This superbly painted lacquer vanity box consists of a rectangular frame with a drawer and a removable lid covering a mirror. The drawer is intended to hold the dressing set; it has compartments for a variety of implements such as a scissors, tweezers, and a comb. The outer surfaces of the case are covered with sensitively rendered bird and flower (gul-u-bul-bul) paintings while the inner surface of the lid features a lively feasting scene (bazm) that epitomizes the lyricism of Zand painting at its height. A prince and his lover sit on a verandah surrounded by courtiers and musicians, who serve them wine and refreshments and provide entertainment.

Artist

Muhammad Baqir

Date

dated A.H. 1204/1789 CE

Medium

Papier-maché and pasteboard; painted and lacquered

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Goldman Sachs Gift, 2015