{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O114658"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O114658/"}},"images":{"_primary_thumbnail":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2013GP2916/full/!100,100/0/default.jpg","_iiif_image":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2013GP2916/","_alt_iiif_image":[],"imageResolution":"high","_images_meta":[{"assetRef":"2013GP2916","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2013GP2911","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2013GP2912","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2013GP2917","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2013GP2915","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2013GP2910","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2013GP2909","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false}]},"see_also":{"_iiif_pres":"https://iiif.vam.ac.uk/collections/O114658/manifest.json","_alt_iiif_pres":[]}},"record":{"systemNumber":"O114658","accessionNumber":"W.87:1 to 30-1929","objectType":"Mirror case","titles":[],"summaryDescription":"From the fifteenth century onward, lacquer objects – including book bindings, pen cases, boxes, Qur’an stands, and mirrors such as this one – gained popularity in Iran, peaking in production during the nineteenth century, with the Qajar dynasty (1797-1924).  The vast increase in production across a variety of objects resulted in a considerable decline in quality; however, fine specimens continued to be done by certain artists in the cities of Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tehran. Much lacquerware during the Qajar period was also influenced by the increasing import of European artefacts, resulting in a distinctive Europeanization of designs and motifs.  Lacquer production continued in Iran until 1924, when the Qajar dynasty was overthrown, after which point its production became determinably unfashionable. \r\nWriting in the early nineteenth century, Sir William Ouseley, a Persian scholar and secretary to his brother, George III’s ambassador to the court of Fath Ali Shah (ruled 1797-1834), Sir Gore Ouseley, wrote: “At Ispahan the covers of the books are ornamented in a style particularly rich; and they often exhibit miniatures painted with considerable neatness and admirably varnished….Most provinces of the kingdome are supplied by this great city with pen-cases or kalamdans, made, like the book-covers, of pasteboard, and sometimes equally beautiful in their decorations….some contain, in various compartments on the lids, ends and sides, very interesting pictures executed in the best style of Persian miniature.  The common subjects are battles and hunting-parties; but they often exhibit scenes from popular romances, among which the favourite scene seems to be Nizami’s story, the Loves of Khusrau and Shirin.”\r\n\r\nConstructed of papier-mache and sometimes wood, lacquer objects were often decorated with small-scale paintings of popular motifs like floral patterns, birds, royal scenes, and popular romances before a varnish was then applied that protected the painting and added a pleasing reflective glow. Mirrors, as seen in this surgeon's case, began to be used in Iran in the 1660s, when mirror glass began to be imported from Europe. \r\n\r\n","physicalDescription":"Mirror-case, lacquered papier mâché box, containing 27 instruments and painted with European-style scenes of women with children following Christian iconography. There is a glass mirror under a hinged panel, and two internal drawers containing different steel instruments, some with mother of pearl handles.  The instruments include knives, pliers, lancets and tweezers.","artistMakerPerson":[{"name":{"text":"Unknown","id":"A1848"},"association":{"text":"maker","id":"x40240"},"note":""}],"artistMakerOrganisations":[],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[{"text":"papier","id":"AAT14245"}],"techniques":[],"materialsAndTechniques":"papier mâché and mother of pearl","categories":[{"text":"Containers","id":"THES48972"},{"text":"Tools & Equipment","id":"THES48883"},{"text":"Health","id":"THES48942"}],"styles":[{"text":"Qajar","id":"AAT21708"}],"collectionCode":{"text":"MES","id":"THES48607"},"images":["2013GP2916","2013GP2911","2013GP2912","2013GP2917","2013GP2915","2013GP2910","2013GP2909"],"imageResolution":"high","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"SHLN","id":"THES49063"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"Lancet","id":"x35585"}],[{"text":"Medical instrument","id":""}],[{"text":"Lancet","id":"x35585"}],[{"text":"Clamp","id":"AAT24736"}],[{"text":"Medical instrument","id":""}],[{"text":"Pliers","id":"AAT24744"}],[{"text":"File","id":"AAT24809"}],[{"text":"Hand-vice","id":""}],[{"text":"Pliers","id":"AAT24744"}],[{"text":"Whetstone","id":"AAT23299"}],[{"text":"Medical instrument","id":""}],[{"text":"File","id":"AAT24809"}],[{"text":"Knife","id":"x31542"}],[{"text":"Knife","id":"x31542"}],[{"text":"Knife","id":"x31542"}],[{"text":"Awl","id":"AAT24663"}],[{"text":"Awl","id":"AAT24663"}],[{"text":"Scissors","id":"AAT23459"}],[{"text":"Knife","id":"x31542"}],[{"text":"Comb","id":"AAT236397"}],[{"text":"Saw","id":"AAT24671"}],[{"text":"Medical instrument","id":""}],[{"text":"Pair of compasses","id":""}],[{"text":"Knife","id":"x31542"}],[{"text":"Tweezers","id":"AAT24749"}],[{"text":"Ruling pen","id":"AAT22466"}],[{"text":"Mirror-case","id":""}],[{"text":"Tray","id":""}],[{"text":"Tray","id":""}],[{"text":"File","id":"AAT24809"}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"No","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[{"place":{"text":"Iran","id":"x30220"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"1750-1850","earliest":"1750-01-01","latest":"1850-12-31"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"Given by Mr & Mrs J. P. Callard (1929).","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Height","value":"6","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"30","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Depth","value":"20.2","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""}],"dimensionsNote":"Measured on object","marksAndInscriptions":[],"objectHistory":"V&A Archival Record from 1929: Barber Surgeon's Case, Persian, 18th century. Papier mache decorated in colours. In the top is a door with metal hinges and catch with a mythological scene containing architecture and a group of figures, enclosed within borders decorated with foliage and floral patterns. On the inner side of the lid is another scene in a similar style, and below this is a mirror plate. The case is fitted with two trays containing 25 instruments of cut and engraved steel (ten with handles of mother-of-pearl), a mother of pearl comb with an engraved pattern of gilt scrollwork, and a sharpner. ","historicalContext":"","briefDescription":"Mirror-case of barber-surgeon's instruments; Iran, Zand or Qajar period, 1750-1850","bibliographicReferences":[{"reference":{"text":"","id":""},"details":"","free":"Tim Stanley, “Lacquer in the Islamic World” in The World of Lacquer: 2000 Years of History (Lisbon: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, 2001), pp 157-187."},{"reference":{"text":"","id":""},"details":"","free":"William B. Robinson, “Some Thoughts on Qajar Lacquer” in Lacquerwork in Asia and Beyond:  Colloquies on Art and Archaeology in Asia No. 11, ed. William Watson.  London:  Percival David Foundation, 1981, pp. 267-70 "}],"production":"","productionType":{"text":"","id":""},"contentDescription":"","contentPlaces":[],"associatedPlaces":[],"contentPerson":[],"associatedPerson":[],"contentOrganisations":[],"associatedOrganisations":[],"contentPeople":[],"associatedPeople":[],"contentEvents":[],"associatedEvents":[],"contentOthers":[],"contentConcepts":[],"contentLiteraryRefs":[],"galleryLabels":[{"text":"Jameel Gallery \r\n\r\n4 Mirror Case\r\nIran, probably Shiraz\r\n1800–50\r\n\r\nMirror cases with painted and varnished (lacquer) decoration were devised in the 1600s, when mirror glass became available in Iran. The mirror could not be left exposed. This later example belonged to a barber-surgeon, whose tools were kept in two drawers that fitted snugly into the case.  \r\n\r\nPasteboard, paint, gold and varnish\r\nMuseum nos. W.87:1 to 3-1929\r\n\r\n5 Tools\r\nIran, probably Shiraz\r\n1800–50\r\n\r\nThese 27 steel tools were stored in the drawers in the mirror case to the left, where they fitted into recesses shaped to fit them. The tools served the range of functions carried out by a barber-surgeon. Some were cosmetic (comb and razor), others surgical (small saw and clamps). \r\n\r\nForged steel with openwork and engraved decoration, mother-of-pearl with brass pins, ivory, some with painted and gilded decoration, whetstone\r\n\r\nMuseum nos. W.87:4 to 30-1929\r\n","date":{"text":"2014","earliest":"2014-01-01","latest":"2014-12-31"}},{"text":"CASE OF BARBER-SURGEON'S INSTRUMENTS.\r\nPapier-maché, painted and lacquered with the Holy Family and other figure-subjects of European type, with two fitted drawers containing a variety of instruments in finely chiselled steel, some with mother-of-pearl handles.\r\nPERSIAN; early 19th century.\r\nCallard Gift.","date":{"text":"Used until 09/1999","earliest":"1999-09-01","latest":"1999-09-30"}}],"partNumbers":["W.87:29-1929","W.87:28-1929","W.87:27-1929","W.87:26-1929","W.87:25-1929","W.87:24-1929","W.87:23-1929","W.87:22-1929","W.87:21-1929","W.87:20-1929","W.87:19-1929","W.87:18-1929","W.87:17-1929","W.87:16-1929","W.87:15-1929","W.87:14-1929","W.87:13-1929","W.87:12-1929","W.87:11-1929","W.87:10-1929","W.87:9-1929","W.87:8-1929","W.87:7-1929","W.87:6-1929","W.87:5-1929","W.87:4-1929","W.87:1-1929","W.87:3-1929","W.87:2-1929","W.87:30-1929"],"accessionNumberNum":"87","accessionNumberPrefix":"W","accessionYear":1929,"otherNumbers":[],"copyNumber":"","aspects":["WHOLE","Medical instrument [1]","Medical instrument [2]","Medical instrument [3]","Medical instrument [4]","Medical instrument [5]","Medical instrument [6]","Medical instrument [7]","Medical instrument [8]","Medical instrument [9]","Medical instrument [10]","Medical instrument [11]","Medical instrument [12]","Medical instrument [13]","Medical instrument [14]","Medical instrument [15]","Medical instrument [16]","Medical instrument [17]","Medical instrument [18]","Medical instrument [19]","Medical instrument [20]","Medical instrument [21]","Medical instrument [22]","Medical instrument [23]","Medical instrument [24]","Medical instrument [25]","Medical instrument [26]","Medical instrument case","Tray [1]","Tray [2]"],"assets":["2019LM6063","2019LN2214","2019LN9028","2019LP1033","2019LV0225","2019LV0211","2019LU9446","2019LU8544","2019LU8180","2019LU7971","2019LU7493","2019LU4847","2019LU4129","2019LU4128","2019LU3619","2019LU2854","2019LU1973","2019LU1502","2019LU1336","2019LU0129","2019LT9632","2019LT8858","2019LT8642","2019LV3905","2019LV3713","2019LV3676","2019LV3448","2019LV3365","2019LV3364","2019LV2974","2019LV2790","2019LV2367","2019LV2238","2019LV1650","2019LV1649","2019LV1584","2019LV1160","2019LX0362","2019LW8812","2019LW7918","2019LW7081","2019LW6423","2019LW5077","2019LW4695","2019LW4409","2019LW4129","2019LW3127","2019LW1913","2019LW1364","2019LW0823","2019LW0472","2019LV9948","2019LV9082","2019LV9081","2019LV9080","2019LV9057","2023NP1743"],"recordModificationDate":"2026-04-23","recordCreationDate":"2005-07-29","availableToBook":false}}