A polychrome lacquer mirror case, attributed to Muhammad Isma'il, Persia, Qajar, second half 19th century, Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani

A polychrome lacquer mirror case, attributed to muhammad isma'il, persia, qajar, second half 19th century lacquer 24. 5 by 15. 3 by 1. 5cm. Richly decorated in lacquer with foliate cartouches bearing three scenes on each side of notable religious figures and known stories, annotated, with floral bouquets in between, gold floral designs on borders, the hinged top opening to reveal a mirror, lid with depiction of imam 'ali kneeling and holding dhu'l-faqar, with his sons hasan and husayn the cover with multiple scenes, including bayazid bastami and disciples; shaykh baha’i and the appearance of a lion during a meeting with mir-e kabir (as referred to in the present example although there are various names attributed to this figure in literature); jalal al-din muhammad rumi with shams of tabriz; shaykh san’an and the christian girl (appears twice) and baba tahir known as naked (‘uryan) with disciples. Date: second half 19th century.