19th-century Persian miniature painting with khatamkari frame

This appears to be a Persian Miniature Painting, possibly from the Qajar period (1785–1925) or perhaps a contemporary piece created in the traditional style.

🎨 The Miniature Painting

• Style: It belongs to the tradition of Islamic miniature painting, which is known for its incredible detail, vibrant colors, and non-naturalistic perspective (lacking deep dimension or shadows).

• Subject: The central scene depicts four figures in traditional attire, standing in what looks like a courtyard or garden entrance, possibly an illustration from a famous epic poem (like the Shahnameh) or a scene of courtly life.

• Calligraphy: There are panels of Persian calligraphy above the main scene, a common element in manuscript illuminations, often containing verses of poetry or captions for the scene.

• Borders/Illumination: The painting is surrounded by an intricately illuminated border in blues, golds, and whites, with repeated floral and geometric motifs. This layered border treatment is characteristic of Persian and Mughal manuscript art.

• Colors: The use of bright, saturated colors like the deep cobalt blue, red, gold, and turquoise is typical of Persian painting, where pigments were traditionally derived from natural minerals.

🖼️ The Frame

A particularly distinctive feature of this piece is the frame, which is an art form in itself:

• Khatam Kari (Persian Inlay): The wooden frame exhibits a complex style of Persian inlay called Khatam Kari. This is a technique of creating intricate mosaic patterns with fine pieces of wood, brass (or gold-colored metal), and camel bone.

• Pattern: The pattern on the frame is highly geometric and repetitive, featuring small stars or floral designs that cover the surface. This technique is traditional in Persian craftsmanship, particularly from cities like Isfahan and Shiraz, and is often used for high-quality decorative arts like boxes, furniture, and picture frames.

🌟 Summary

This is a beautiful example of a framed miniature painting that combines two significant Persian art forms:

1. The Miniature Painting (likely gouache/watercolor on paper or a similar fine surface).

2. The Khatam Kari Frame (a sophisticated wooden mosaic inlay).

Due to the nature of traditional art continuing to be produced today, determining the exact age (antique or modern reproduction) would require closer inspection of the painting medium, pigments, and the craftsmanship of the frame. However, it clearly follows a centuries-old and highly respected artistic tradition.

Height : 34cm

Width : 28cm