Pen Box with Muhammad Shah Qajar, Haji Mirza Aqasi and other officials, attributed to Muhammad Isma`il, Isfahan, Iran, c. 1834-1848, Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani

Cover and sliding compartment with rounded ends. The top is decorated in horizontal format with a continuous scene of muhammad shah qajar (r. 1834-48) leaning against a cushion, attended by his officials, including on the right haji mirza aqasi (chief minister 1835-1848). Continuous landscape scenes with small scale figures decorate the sides as well: a beardless prince in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by his retinue on the front side; and soldiers with field artillery on the back side. On the base a flowering grape vine is painted in gold on a red background. Date: between circa 1834 and circa 1848.