Bidspirit auction | A QAJAR PAPIER-MÂCHÉ LACQUERED BOWL,

A QAJAR PAPIER-MÂCHÉ LACQUERED BOWL, PERSIA, MID–19TH CENTURY - A finely painted Persian papier-mâché (ghalamkari) bowl of hemispherical form resting on a short foot, exquisitely decorated in polychrome lacquer with figural and calligraphic ornament. The outer surface features alternating narrative panels illustrating courtly and hunting scenes, likely inspired by Persian epic poetry such as the Shahnameh or Khamsa of Nizami. Figures are depicted in elaborate Qajar costume beneath canopies or within garden and architectural settings, attended by musicians, attendants, and animals. The upper and lower registers bear inscriptions in elegant nasta‘liq script on red bands, possibly verses of Persian poetry praising the ruler or alluding to love and valor. The underside of the bowl continues the painted narrative, with further figural scenes encircling the recessed foot. The interior is finished in a glossy black lacquer. Executed in a deep palette of red, gold, and black, the composition exemplifies the refinement of Qajar lacquer work, merging manuscript illumination traditions with decorative artistry. Comparable Literature: W. M. Floor & P. P. Soucek, Arts of the Qajar Era, Tehran, 2004. M. Ekhtiar et al., Royal Persian Paintings: The Qajar Epoch 1785–1925, Brooklyn Museum, 1998. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Dimensions: H: 6 in., (15.3 cm.); D: 13 in., (33.1 cm.) Condition: The surface displays minor craquelure and small areas of wear consistent with age, notably to the rim and footrim. Some scattered retouching and tiny flakes to the lacquer layer, but overall well-preserved with strong color and high gloss. Structural integrity of papier-mâché body sound, with no visible restorations or cracks.