Wafer Seal Case with Tiger Hunt 1876 - 1877

Editor: This is a rather charming wafer seal case, decorated by Fathallah Shirazi in the late 19th century. The miniature painting of a tiger hunt is quite captivating. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s a beautiful example of the cultural memory embedded in decorative arts. The tiger hunt isn't just a scene, but a symbol of power, control, and the exotic Other, a popular theme in Persian art influenced by European Orientalism. Notice how the flowers contrast against the scene of the hunt. What feelings do they evoke for you? Editor: I suppose they soften the scene, adding a touch of refinement. Curator: Exactly. Roses can represent love, but also secrecy or silence. These symbols layer meaning into a seemingly simple object. Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn’t considered how much cultural information is packed into such a small object. Curator: The visual symbols and the cultural narratives they carry make it all the more compelling.