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Mirror case and lid

Title	Mirror case and lid
Publication Date:	1850
Publication Place	Iran (made) -
Subject	Woodwork
Type	Other
Language	Undetermined
Digital	Yes
Manuscript	No
Physical Dimensions	Height: 21cm, Length: 13cm
Library:	Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID	731:1-1876
Record ID	731:1-1876
Library Location	Middle East Section
Date	1850
Notes	Major R. Murdoch Smith discusses the Iranian town of Abadeh (between Isfahan and Shiraz) as being the main centre of Persian wood carving during the period of 1800-1900. This town was famous for its elaborately carved spoons (qashuq) and small boxes, in particular, all made of either pear or lime wood, and carved with a common pocket-knife. The scene carved on this mirror box depicts Majnun in the wilderness, in a state of emaciation derived from his longing desire to be with his love, Layla. This story was popularised by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in the 10th century, and has since remained a popular source of artistic inspiration.
Malzemeler ve teknikler	Pearwood; carved
Parçalar	Mirror Case, Lid
Fiziksel açıklama	Rectangular shaped mirror case with sliding lid, carved of pearwood, depicting an emaciated Majnun seated in the wilderness surrounded by animals, with a bearded elderly man kneeling at his side. The bottom of the case is carved in relief with diverse floral sprays stemming from a single vegetal tuft, with perched birds. Mirror missing.

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Victoria and Albert Museum

Mirror case and lid

Publication Date 1850

Publication Place Iran (made) -

Subject Woodwork

Type Other

Language Undetermined

Digital Yes

Manuscript No

Physical Dimensions Height: 21cm, Length: 13cm

Library Victoria and Albert Museum

Library Asset ID 731:1-1876

Record ID 731:1-1876

Library Location Middle East Section

Date 1850

Notes Major R. Murdoch Smith discusses the Iranian town of Abadeh (between Isfahan and Shiraz) as being the main centre of Persian wood carving during the period of 1800-1900. This town was famous for its elaborately carved spoons (qashuq) and small boxes, in particular, all made of either pear or lime wood, and carved with a common pocket-knife. The scene carved on this mirror box depicts Majnun in the wilderness, in a state of emaciation derived from his longing desire to be with his love, Layla. This story was popularised by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in the 10th century, and has since remained a popular source of artistic inspiration.

Malzemeler ve teknikler Pearwood; carved

Parçalar Mirror Case, Lid

Fiziksel açıklama Rectangular shaped mirror case with sliding lid, carved of pearwood, depicting an emaciated Majnun seated in the wilderness surrounded by animals, with a bearded elderly man kneeling at his side. The bottom of the case is carved in relief with diverse floral sprays stemming from a single vegetal tuft, with perched birds. Mirror missing.