18/19th century Persian Qajar pen-box.. Western motifs??? Royal gift???

[benbenny]

Hi there, A few years ago I bought a pen-box. It was marked as a 18th century paper mache pen-box holder and I paid £140 GBP for it. Now I don't now if it's 18 or 19th century and I also found out that the pen-box is Persian made but it's decorated with western motifs.?? 

I think it was a relationships gift or some kind to somebody in the time period when Britain had influence in Persia. But I don't know ho the people are shown on the box, they must be somebody important.. Royalty, important family ??. Can somebody tell me more about this item or the people shown?

[benbenny]

side

[benbenny]

other side

[benbenny]

1

[benbenny]

women is holding a dove in her hands and has a circle over her head like if she is a saint. I could be wrong. It also could be a scarf.

[benbenny]

3

[Ipcress]

Could be late 18th, early 19th. A lovely thing, beautifully made. Bargain at that price !

[benbenny]

thank you ipcress you are very helpful. I'm really happy with it. And know I'm more interested when I found out that it's Persian.

[Ipcress]

The representation of the figures would suggest 18th but i think it's a bit later. Really well crafted. Worth at least 2-3 times what you paid for it. Qajar is like Meiji period. The 19th century was just exploding with international trade.

[benbenny]

The representation of the figures would suggest 18th but i think it's a bit later. Really well crafted. Worth at least 2-3 times what you paid for it. Qajar is like Meiji period. The 19th century was just exploding with international trade.

both centuries is possible. If I could find out ho the people are, I could date it more precisely. Must be important people I think. Not everybody could afford traveling or had connection wit Persia in that time period, so there must be records I hope. Also found a few similar pen boxes dating Safavid dynasty (1501–1786). Could mine also be from that period?

[icedgold10]

Amazing condition!  Great find!

[benbenny]

nobody?