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Classification
Wood and Lacquer
Object name
Polychrome Doors
Geography
Iran
Period
Safavid, 17th-18th century CE
Dynasty
Safavid
Materials and technique
Wood, carved and painted
Dimensions
161 x 84.5 cm
Accession number
AKM00704
Description
These well-preserved polychrome painted doors are carved with floral and foliate motifs in high relief, enclosed within a strapwork design of oblong star-shaped frames and bordered by narrow and shallow-carved bands of vegetal scrolls and rosettes. Their floral ornamentation is typical of the dynamic vegetal designs of the Safavid period and probably originated in manuscript illustration and bookbinding. Two frames located above the star-shaped panels on each door include an inscription in Persian, carved against a background painted in green and surrounded by a stylized vine scroll painted in red. The text, which speaks on behalf of the person who would stand on the outer side of the doors, appears to carry a more spiritual significance characteristic of Sufi-inspired Safavid culture: “Dar-i shadi bi sahib-i in bab / bigushay muffatih al-abwab” (Doorman, open the door of happiness for the owner of this door). While their original context remains unknown, these doors might have once opened into a Sufi hospice or a palatial retreat.
Other similar artefacts
21 pieces found
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