of rectangular form with lifting lid, decorated in polychrome and gilt with a central cartouche containing flowers surrounded by a series of foliate tendrils forming cartouches filled with floral interlace, the border of the top with a series of inscription-filled cartouches, later velvet lining to interior
38.3 x 25.5 x 11.7 cm.

Footnotes

Provenance
Private UK collection.

Inscriptions: Persian verses, in the corners, 'The work of Ma'sum'ali', and dated in a mixture of Arabic and Persian, 'In the month of rabi' al-awwal, one thousand and twenty five of hijra, 1325 (April-May 1907)'.

A Ma'sum'ali is recorded by Karimzadeh as an obscure illuminator of the Muzaffar al-Din Shah period who illuminated Qur'an sura headings and produced calligraphic exercises. His only recorded work is an illuminated marriage contract dated 1330 (1911-2). See M. A. Karimzadeh Tabrizi, The Lives & Art of Old Painters of Iran, vol. 3, London, 1991, p. 1173.

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- Islamic and Indian Art
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	This lot is subject to import restrictions when shipped to the United States.

A Qajar lacquer box by Ma'sum 'Ali Persia, dated AH 1325/AD 1907

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Matthew Thomas