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The central, star-shaped tile features a group of royalty from Sasanian (pre-Islamic) Iran sitting around a fountain. The tiles at each point of the star contain pictures of individual figures, while the remaining panels are decorated with architectural or floral motifs.\r\n\r\nThis panel is a fine example of the diverse cultural influences found in nineteenth-century Iran. The depiction of Sasanian rulers reflects the widespread interest in pre-Islamic history, while the style of painting shows the profound impression made by European art.\n\nThis table top was made in 1887 in the work shop of Ali Muhammad Isfahani in the  tilemakers quarters at Shahzadeh Abdul Azim gate, Tehran, and was purchased  by Major General Sir Robert Murdoch Smith,  Director of the Persian Telegraph Department from 1865 to 1888, who was acting as an agent of the South Kensington Museum (as the Victoria and Albert Museum was then  known), acquiring objects in Iran for their collection. 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Each of the four figured tiles contains a seated figure reading against a background of flamboyant rose sprays with nightingales perched among them. Other tiles include figures: riders, girls pouring wine, while each corner tile features a landscape. The border tiles form a continuous band of elaborate foliage and clusters and scrolls. 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