Discovery of Exquisite Artwork at Malek Institute

June 19, 2010 9:35 AM - Printable Version

The public relations office of Malek National Library and Museum has announced the finding of an exquisite artwork in the institute.

Malek Museum possesses a unique collection of lacquer artworks, including 96 lacquered pen-boxes covered with unique paintings. During recent restoration works on the museum's collection a pen-box made with papier mache and covered with an oval painting most probably copied from a European work and with illuminations on gold plate was discovered.

Restoration work on the pen-box revealed the signature in gold of Sani-ol-Molk, 1860. Abolhassan Ghaffari or Abolhassan Thani, generally known as Sani-ol-Molk (1810 -1864) was one of the prominent artists of the Nasseri period. He was the founder of the first art college and a pioneer of graphic arts in Iran. He spent some time in Rome copying works by renowned artists such as Raphael and Titian, and in 1847 he earned the title of Master Painter in the court of Nassereddin Shah. From 1850 to 1853 he worked on illuminating a copy of `One Thousand and One Nights' (Arabian Nights) which is now kept in Golestan Palace Museum. In 1857 he was put in charge of the official Iranian newspaper in which he printed a number of portraits.

The discovered pen-box appeared to be without signature or date prior to the restoration and cleaning work. After the restoration work by Ramin Mer'ati the signature and date became visible. The last observed work by this master is dated 1858. And as the master's death is estimated to have occurred between 1862 to 1864, the pen-box must be counted among his last works.

This exquisite and unique artwork from Malek National Library and Museum's lacquered arts collection will be put on display in the near future.