Qajar Lantern, early 20th century

From 1786 to 1925, the brilliant Qajar rulers ruled Iran. Original and surprising, the artistic creation of this period is particularly rich and abundant, stimulated by an extremely virtuoso court production. This Moorish lantern, by its delicacy, is a significant example of sumptuous productions. Combining metal and fabric, it has the peculiarity of being able to unfold completely: a delicately worked metal base is matched by a reticulated and openworked hat in the upper part. The latter is topped by a forked attachment, suitable for hanging the whole. The delicate lace pattern is typical of Qajar ornamental motifs found in tableware as well as in furniture. The body of the lantern is made of a thin accordion-like fabric, filtering the light according to one's desires. This beautiful object condenses by its verticality all the richness of the Qajar collections hailed by a recent exhibition at the Louvre-Lens, which has contributed in large part to rehabilitate this art of modern Iran, including paintings as well as drawings, jewelry as well as costumes, enamels as well as carpets.