Description:

A GROUP SCENE OUTSIDE THE PALACE, 18TH/19TH CENTURY, QAJAR
Persia, 18th/19th century

Description:
Opaque watercolour and gold on paper; this vibrant Qajar miniature presents a bustling outdoor gathering beneath a large, gnarled tree, with a multitude of finely dressed male figures engaged in conversation, smoking, drinking, and preparing food. The composition is dense with detail, featuring an array of decorative ceramic bowls, vessels, flowering plants, and fauna. The scene is set against a stylised landscape with palace buildings visible in the distance, offering a backdrop of domes and minarets. Executed with refined line work and a playful palette, the folio is framed with a marbled paper border and mounted on blue card with gold ruling.

Dimensions:
33.5 x 22.5cm

Comparable examples:

  • Sotheby’s, London, Arts of the Islamic World, 31 March 2021, Lot 74, Qajar painting of a courtly gathering, £7,560 

  • Bonhams, London, Islamic and Indian Art, 29 October 2019, Lot 88, Persian figural scene with architectural backdrop, £6,120 

  • Christie’s, London, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 26 April 2018, Lot 97, Qajar-period miniature of group assembly, £8,125 

Note:
Group compositions such as this one exemplify the Qajar fascination with narrative scenes brimming with life and character. These artworks often reflect moments of leisure and festivity, sometimes with satirical undertones. The dense population of figures, vibrant tones, and expressive postures serve as both social commentary and visual delight, echoing traditional Persian storytelling through the miniature form.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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Bid Increments
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£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000