Description:

 Sadeq al-Wa’d: A Lacquered Papier-Mâché Mirror
Persia, 18th Century

Description:
An exquisitely crafted lacquered papier-mâché mirror case, adorned with finely detailed miniature painting and floral motifs, attributed to the Persian lacquer tradition of the Zand or early Qajar period. The outer surface features a vibrant and symmetrical composition surrounding a central cartouche inscribed Sadeq al-Wa’d (صادق الوعد – “The Truthful of the Promise”), referencing one of the noble attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The case is elaborately decorated with gold leaf vinework, polychrome roses, and arabesques on a rich black lacquer ground, consistent with Safavid revivalist aesthetics. The reverse of the mirror is equally ornate, possibly with figural painting or Quranic calligraphy (based on typical examples), all under a high-gloss lacquer.

Objects of this nature were cherished as personal vanity items or devotional pieces, often gifted among the literate elite or used within aristocratic households.

Dimensions:

  • Overall: 26 x 20 cm

Comparable Examples:

  • A lacquered mirror case, Qajar Persia, sold at Sotheby’s, 2019, for £8,750.

  • An 18th-century lacquered pen box with similar floral decoration, Christie’s, 2015, achieved £10,000.

  • Comparable works in the Victoria and Albert Museum and The Khalili Collection highlight the technical finesse and symbolic value of such lacquerware.

Note:
This mirror exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Persian lacquer arts, merging functionality with religious and poetic beauty. Its excellent preservation and devotional inscription enhance its collectible and historical appeal, making it a highlight for collectors of Islamic decorative arts, Qajar lacquerware, or 18th-century Persian material culture.

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.

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

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% 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