Persian myth, legend or theatre?

I bought this brass box (about 5" across) from a catalogue pic, it was at the back of a tray and I couldn't see the detail at the time. The box is a pretty standard Persian form, I've had several over the years, they usually have Quranic script or geometric forms and are dated based on calligraphy style and construction. This one though has a frieze of characters, some with animalia masks or as therianthropes, there are also plenty of birds for good measure.

I can't find any good references for the style, one antique dealer site has a number of items (no boxes) with similar designs which they attribute to a specific Persian metalworker, but this name isn't referenced on any other sites, so not very satisfactory. Christies archives have a larger box with brass panels over wood with similar scenes, they described it as Islamic revellers and dancers - hmm really!

Does anyone recognise what the characters may be representing, ie a myth or perhaps a theatre artform, or are they from the ancient styles such as Babylonia? It just bugs me if I can't be a bit more specific

 

nice box...

 

It is gorgeous, Ce. Have you considered Zoroastrian?
I think we had similar imagery on a Persian brass item before (a platter?), maybe the amazing @i need help remembers.

 

I hadn't, thanks will check. I have just found something in the V&A, pic is terrible but description seems to fit - unfortunately they say 'we do not know the significance of the decoration' - bahh!

 

Very inconsiderate of them.

 

https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O108837/bowl-unknown/

 

They're in good company.

 

If you enlarge the photo you can see that the style and imagery are very different, so I am sorry to say, I don't think it is relevant to your box.

I did find this Neo-Assyrian bird-headed gent, from a relief in Nimrud, Iraq, and wonder if he is culturally related to your therianthropes.


https://collections.lacma.org/node/235417

 

Ooo, how did you do that - I can only see a small version of the pic.

I have found a few more references, but nothing conclusive. Some pointers were to the Shahnameh and stylistic references to some ancient Mesopotamian artworks. Nothing conclusive, but perhaps there are ancient artworks in the region which aren't in the Western consciousness. Looks like it will have to have lots of 'influenced and possibly' At least the dating and location is pretty solid.

 

Hi @Any Jewelry Doesnt look Zoarastrian to me. It does not contain the Asho farovar or the winged angel or other similar motifs.
I did think they were priest praying but it turns out they are carrying spears.

 

You have to download the picture, which will then able you to zoom in on your desktop.

 

I am on a laptop and scroll with my mouse wheel while pressing the ctrl key.

 

You're right, no Faravahar or similar, but not all Zoroastrian items carry the Faravahar etc. which is why I thought it one possible avenue to explore.

For instance, these don't have Faravahar, etc:


https://www.aljantiques.com/zoroast...omb.html?___store=arabic&___from_store=arabic


https://www.aljantiques.com/shirazi...razi-shiraz-iran-dated-1310-a-h-1892-a-d.html

 

you are right @Any Jewelry . And the second one is just amazing. To see such relics is amazing.

The second one is exceptional. Shows the priest and the fire also shows the scepter with the bulls head.

Thank you for this. truly amazing.

 

That’s an awesome relief!. Just what you see every day, an eagle headed man selecting snacks. His toes are amazing and I keep staring at them!.
Don’t worry I don’t normally have a thing about toes .

 

I live near the centre of town, so I don't see them that often. People having to wear masks doesn't help either, I can't tell if they have a beak or just a very big nose.

 

It is absolutely stunning. Both are, really.