'Ali Ashraf (Iranian). <em>Mirror Case</em>, AH 1165 / 1751 C.E. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on papier mâché under a lacquered varnish; silvered glass, 5 3/4 x 7 1/2 in. (14.6 x 19.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson in memory of her husband, 88.92. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 88.92_PS11.jpg)

Mirror Case

Artist:'Ali Ashraf

Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on papier mâché under a lacquered varnish; silvered glass

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:AH 1165 / 1751 C.E.

Dimensions: 5 3/4 x 7 1/2 in. (14.6 x 19.1 cm)

Collections:

Museum Location: Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 88.92

Image: 88.92_PS11.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
This mirror case bears the allegorical signature of the renowned eighteenth-century lacquer artist `Ali Ashraf: “After Muhammad, `Ali is noblest.” (Exhibit text, Islamic Galleries, June 2009, L. Akbarnia) Octagonal mirror case consisting of a frame and a hinged cover with a mirror. As in most Persian lacquer, this piece is made of papier-mâché and is covered with painted designs against a black ground. The edges are decorated with minute repeated stylized leaf and flower patterns in gold on a black ground.

Brooklyn Museum