Gold, enamel, gemstones.
Size 101 x 80 mm.
Inscriptions: al-Sultan ibn Sultan, al-Sultan Muhammad Shah Qajar.
Size 101 x 80 mm.
Inscriptions: al-Sultan ibn Sultan, al-Sultan Muhammad Shah Qajar.
Award Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar
Muhammad Shah's predecessor, Fath 'Ali Shah, provided the precedent for small portraits: he rewarded envoys and other dignitaries miniature with portraits of himself, some of which were set in jeweled frames, in appreciation of their services. Dr John McNeill (1795-1883), for example, received a portrait of the Shah set in diamonds for his assistance that led to the Treaty of Turkmanchay of 1828 and the withdrawal of the Russians from Azerbaijan.
Oval medallion enamelled in polychrome and inlaid with gold, depicting the Shah with head turned, wearing a crimson robe with pearl-encrusted collar, his turban with an elaborate diamond-set sarpech, the robe with diamond ornaments on the shoulders, bazubands on the arms and front; the blue background with an nasta'liq filled medallion to either side of the figure; set into an elaborate gold frame with diamond-set green and red enamelled flowers, with granulation on the edges.
Oval medallion enamelled in polychrome and inlaid with gold, depicting the Shah with head turned, wearing a crimson robe with pearl-encrusted collar, his turban with an elaborate diamond-set sarpech, the robe with diamond ornaments on the shoulders, bazubands on the arms and front; the blue background with an nasta'liq filled medallion to either side of the figure; set into an elaborate gold frame with diamond-set green and red enamelled flowers, with granulation on the edges.
Currently in the collection of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.
