Mirror case, painted, lacquered papier mâché

From the 16th century, the same Iranian painters who made miniatures also used their talents on objects such as bookbindings and cases to hold pens and various other articles. These objects were then lacquered to protect the paintings. Initially, this gave the colors a deeper tone, but over time, the paintings have often taken on a yellowish tinge as the lacquer has decomposed.

This mirror case was decorated on both front and back with a favorite love motif: the rose and the nightingale – gol o bolbol. The inside of the case has Persian verses with suitable prayers, depending on whether the mirror is used to view one’s face, comb one’s beard, or apply eye shadow.