Pen Box with Persian Women in Medallions 1909 - 1910

Editor: This decorative pen box by Muhammad Baqir features three medallions, each portraying a Persian woman. The detail is incredible! What can you tell me about the context of such a piece? Curator: Consider the public role of art in 18th-century Iran. Such objects, while seemingly domestic, circulated within elite social circles. These images of women, were they about genuine representation, or performance of status and taste? How does the very act of depicting them on a pen box affect their symbolic value? Editor: That's a great point! It makes me think about the power dynamics involved in image-making. I never considered the "politics of imagery" in something like a pen box before. Curator: Precisely! Everyday objects often carry profound cultural and political weight. Think about how they might reinforce or challenge existing social norms. Editor: This really changes how I see the artwork; it’s not just decorative. Thanks!