Women Figure Illustrations on Persian Qalamdans (pen cases) in Nasser Khalili Collection

In Persian society, illustrators and skilled portraitists developed a particular method of painting in Qajar era, a period in which artwork and historical treasures can be considered among the best, especially in painting and they reflect the tastes of kings and social circumstances of that time. One of the best works of that time is illustrated pen cases created mainly in Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan by skilled portraitists. The majority of these illustrations are women’s figure and partly European figures contemporary with Qajar time. A large number of such pen cases are collected and preserved by Nasser Khalili in London. Careful studying of the paintings on pen cases shows the people’s believes and their points of view especially towards women as an important part of society of Qajar era and also the impressions of western culture upon the Iranian community.