Description
Qalam Zani c1920 depicting victorious Nader Shah on horseback Qajar Safavid
This is a large and impressive, detailed brass portrait wall hanging depicting the Emperor Nader (or Nadir) Shah who was one of the most powerful rulers of Persia.
This type of depiction in brass is known as a “Qalam Zani” as it captures and tells a story.
This wonderful work of Persian art is difficult to photograph as the surface is reflective – it is much more beautiful that any camera can capture! The colour is a rich, deep golden brass colour.
This piece was probably produced to mark an anniversary or commemorate an occasion in the life of Nader Shah whose life is well documented. In fact there is even a museum in Mashhad that has a statue of him on horseback and the museum is named after him: the Naderi Museum.
There are several known painted portraits of Nadir Shah with the same crown on his head as the one on this Qalam Zani.Nader Shah is painted on his horse posing in a very similar position in a painting showing him conquering Delhi (portrait by Muhammad Ali ibn Abd al Bayg ibn Ali Quli Jabbadar in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston USA).
Another painting from 1743 shows Nader Shah the Qajar Persian Emperor posing with his horse, holding his regal sceptre (again wearing the same crown).
This Qalam Zani was clearly meant to be hung on a wall to celebrate the great Qajar history – it may have been part of a series of portraits of Persian Emperors.
Nader Shah was the ruler of Persia from 1736-1747.
If you look carefully, you can see a lot of interesting symbolism in this portrait.
Nader Shah is looking back at a building in the distance which has a dome, minarets and is flanked by a tree. This was either somewhere he conquered or left behind.
Nader Shah is carrying a banner or flag over his shoulder: in olden days, when you conquered a city, you would take their flag.
Nader Shah is carrying his sword unsheathed meaning that he has just used it, suggesting a recent battle or victory.
Below the horse’s hooves, there is a small lion which is similar to the one that appears on Persian coat of arms. The small lion, similar to a small wild cat like a lynx or puma, is native to Persia and is known as a caracal.
Based on the symbolism, this tray was possibly produced to celebrate the victory of Nader Shah over the Safavid Dynasty. The building most likely represents the Safavid capital, the banner or flag would have been the Safavid banner.
This is a very beautiful and highly detailed portrait in brass with intricate and delicate designs bordering the whole scene: flower heads surrounded by leaves.
They are similar to the flower heads that appear on Persian pottery and in Persian silver.
The whole piece has been shaped with ‘scallop’ edging, recessed to give the appearance of a flower. This piece would have taken days if not weeks to produce using traditional hand tools.
This is a very RARE and beautifully hand made antique wall hanging showing a great Persian Emperor. In excellent condition with minor wear and blemishes commensurate with age.
It is a very good size, measuring 23 inches (55cm) from edge to edge.
Please note that this piece weighs just under 2kg without any packaging.