Description:

Lot 272. A SEATED GROUP SCENE, SCHOOL OF SANI AL-MOLK, PERSIA, QAJAR, 19TH CENTURY

This finely executed Qajar painting depicts an intimate domestic gathering of women, rendered in the refined school of Sani al-Molk. The composition, enclosed within a gilded frame, measures 36 x 26 cm.

The scene captures a lively assembly of elegantly dressed women seated on richly patterned carpets, engaged in conversation and refreshment. The artist’s delicate brushwork and nuanced use of colour convey the opulence of Qajar interiors—highlighted by textiles, drapery, and decorative tableware such as tea sets, water pipes (qalyan), and trays of sweets.

Typical of works influenced by Sani al-Molk (Mirza Abolhassan Ghaffari, 1814–1866), the painting demonstrates a fusion of traditional Persian miniature conventions with naturalistic European-inspired modelling and perspective. The subtle individuality of the faces and the harmonious arrangement reflect the Qajar fascination with refined leisure and social sophistication.

An evocative example of courtly life and female sociability in 19th-century Iran, the work embodies both artistic grace and cultural insight from the period’s leading artistic circle.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

November 7, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 31% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£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