Mirror Case 1820 - 1870

This painted mirror case was made by Zain al-'Abidin, a Persian artist active in the 19th century. Mirror cases were luxury objects, often given as gifts among the upper classes. In Persian culture, mirrors were associated with self-awareness, reflection, and truth. This case is decorated with a dense arrangement of flowers and a bird, a popular motif that evokes the imagery of paradise. The floral design is carefully arranged to create a harmonious composition, which is typical of Persian art traditions that are highly attuned to principles of balance and order. The production of such luxury items was often supported by royal patronage, indicating the close relationship between art and political power. Historians use a variety of sources such as court records, trade documents, and biographical accounts of artists, to understand the social and economic conditions that shaped the production of art during this period. By examining these sources, we can better appreciate the cultural values that were embodied in these works.