FAQ
cAli Ashraf (active 1730s–80s). Mirror Case. Iran, dated A.H. 1165/A.D. 1751. Opaque watercolors, crushed metallic pigment, and gold on lacquered pasteboard, 5 3/4 x 7 1/2 in. (14.6 x 19.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson in memory of her husband, 88.92
The technique of decorating objects with drawing or painting that is then covered with a layer of lacquer first gained popularity during the latter half of the Safavid period in Iran (1501–1722), and reached its highest articulation during the reign of the Zand (1750–85) and Qajar (1785–1925) rulers. This octagonal lacquered mirror case depicts the gul-u-bulbul, or bird-and-flower motif, highly admired in Persian art and closely associated with mystical Sufi poetic allegories for the soul's yearning to be united with the Divine Beloved. Here two nightingales inhabit a thick nest of chestnut branches, budding blossoms, several varieties of roses, an iris, and small clusters of white flowers with leaves similar to the primrose. One bird extends its neck to capture a butterfly, while the other seemingly sings to its mate. This tour de force of flower painting evokes a spring garden about to bloom and the promise of eternal gardens in Paradise as described in the Qur'an. The mirror case is signed "Zi bacd-i Muhammad cAli Ashraf ast" ("After Muhammad, cAli is the one"), the punning nom de guerre of the artist cAli Ashraf, which alludes to the Shi'ite reverence for cAli, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad whom Shi'ites believe was hand-picked to succeed the Prophet.
Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum