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Mirror Case

'Ali Ashraf

Arts of the Islamic World

On View: Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor
This mirror case bears the allegorical signature of the renowned eighteenth-century lacquer artist cAli Ashraf: “After Muhammad, cAli is noblest.”
MEDIUM Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on papier mâché under a lacquered varnish; silvered glass
  • Place Made: Iran
  • DATES AH 1165 / 1751 C.E.
    DYNASTY possibly Zand
    DIMENSIONS 5 3/4 x 7 1/2 in. (14.6 x 19.1 cm)  (show scale)
    SIGNATURE Signed: "Zi ba'd-i Muhammad 'Ali Ashraf ast (after Muhammad is `Ali Ashraf)" - the allegorical signature of 'Ali Ashraf.
    ACCESSION NUMBER 88.92
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson in memory of her husband
    PROVENANCE Prior to 1988, provenance not yet documented; by 1988, acquired by Irma Bezold Wilkinson (Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson) of New York, NY; October 20, 1988, gift of Irma Bezold Wilkinson to the Brooklyn Museum.
    Provenance FAQ
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION This mirror case bears the allegorical signature of the renowned eighteenth-century lacquer artist `Ali Ashraf: “After Muhammad, `Ali is noblest.” (Exhibit text, Islamic Galleries, June 2009, L. Akbarnia) Octagonal mirror case consisting of a frame and a hinged cover with a mirror. As in most Persian lacquer, this piece is made of papier-mâché and is covered with painted designs against a black ground. The edges are decorated with minute repeated stylized leaf and flower patterns in gold on a black ground.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor
    CAPTION 'Ali Ashraf (Iranian). Mirror Case, AH 1165 / 1751 C.E. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on papier mâché under a lacquered varnish; silvered glass, 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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 88.92_PS11.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 88.92_PS11.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2022
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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