Pen Box with Riverscape, Female Portraits, and Turkeys in Medallions 1890 - 1891

Editor: This is a rather lovely pen box, decorated by Mirza Mustafa Shirazi. It’s adorned with these sweet riverscapes, portraits, and, rather unexpectedly, turkeys! The imagery feels very… curated, doesn't it? What do you make of the combination of images? Curator: It’s a fascinating mix, isn't it? The landscapes and portraits suggest a kind of European influence, perhaps a nod to the fashion of the time. But then you have the turkeys, a detail that feels distinctly... grounded, almost humorous. It’s as if Shirazi is saying, "Yes, I can paint your fancy scenes, but don't forget the everyday wonders." What do you think it was like to use this pen box everyday? Editor: I love the idea of a wink from the artist! It definitely makes me look at the box differently. It's a delightful juxtaposition. Curator: Exactly! And it reminds us that even small, functional objects can be canvases for complex cultural dialogues, filled with unexpected poetry.