ticketsMember | Make a donation

Instrument Case

dated 1204 AH/1789 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 462
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Instrument Case
  • Artist: Muhammad Baqir (Iranian)
  • Date: dated 1204 AH/1789 CE
  • Geography: Country of Origin Iran
  • Medium: Papier-maché and pasteboard; painted and lacquered
  • Dimensions: H. 13 13/16 in. (35.1 cm)
    W. 9 3/8 in. (23.9 cm)
    D.1 3/8 in. (3.6 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Goldman Sachs Gift, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.252
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Lion and Dragon in Combat, Muhammad Baqir Iranian, Ink and watercolor on paper
Lion and Dragon in Combat
Muhammad Baqir
second half 18th century
Anthology of Persian Poetry, Amir Shahi of Sabzavar Iranian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper<br/>Binding: Lacquer
Anthology of Persian Poetry
Multiple artists/makers
16th century
"Abu'l Mihjan and Sa`d ibn Abi Wakkas Before a Ruler", Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din, Maulana Muhammad Ibn Husam ad Din Iranian, Opaque watercolor and ink on paper
"Abu'l Mihjan and Sa`d ibn Abi Wakkas Before a Ruler", Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din
Maulana Muhammad Ibn Husam ad Din
ca. 1476–86
"Rustam Pleads for Tus Before Kai Khusrau," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Rustam Pleads for Tus Before Kai Khusrau," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Multiple artists/makers
dated 741 AH/1341 CE
Qur'an of Ibrahim Sultan, Ibrahim Sultan Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; leather binding
Qur'an of Ibrahim Sultan
Ibrahim Sultan
dated 830 AH/1427 CE

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.