Mirror Stand
1800s
Maker Unknown
Islamic Art
Mirror Stand, 1800s. Iran, Qajar period (1779-1925). Steel engraved and inlaid with gold and silver with openwork calligraphic design on hinged door; diameter: 25.5 cm (10 1/16 in.); overall: 52.5 cm (20 11/16 in.); diameter of base: 18.6 cm (7 5/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Mehmed A. Simsar in memory of Dr. Mehmed A. Simsar 1983.1111
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Metalwork
- Formatted Medium
- Steel engraved and inlaid with gold and silver with openwork calligraphic design on hinged door
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 25.5 cm (10 1/16 in.); Overall: 52.5 cm (20 11/16 in.); Diameter of base: 18.6 cm (7 5/16 in.)
- Inscribed
- Translation: In the center: 1070 Safavi; Al-Sultan al-Sultan wa'l-Khaqan al-Khaqan Shah Soleyman Safavi Remark: Door of the mirror case bears pierced inscription in nasta'liq. "Khaqan" is another name for a supreme ruler. Inscription: Selection from the inscriptions in the surrounding ring: نه هر که چهره برافروخت دلبری داند. نه هر که آینه سازد سکندری داند Translation: Not every one who makes up her face knows how to win hearts (be coquettishly a heart-stealer); Not everyone who makes a mirror knows the arts of an Alexander. Remark: From the verses around the edge of the mirror's door. This one comes from a ghazal of Hafiz. The last line refers to the famous lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with its mirror reflecting the sun.
- Departments
- Islamic Art
- Accession Number
- 1983.1111
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Mehmed A. Simsar in memory of Dr. Mehmed A. Simsar
- Exhibitions
- Arts of Iran (Islamic art rotation)
- Rights Statement
- CC0
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