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This Is Lancashire, UK
June 23 2006
Suitor catches princess in the bath . . .
By Wes Wright
Iranian wall tile at Bolton Museum
AMONG the many works of art held in store by Bolton Museum and Art
Gallery is a beautiful Iranian wall tile.
Iran hits the headlines today because of its hardline leader and
nuclear ambitions. But before Ayatollah Khomeini led the Islamic
revolution of 1979, the country had a long history of visual arts,
including ceramic depictions of classic Persian stories. This week we
are focusing on this tile as part of our Hidden Treasures series,
which puts the spotlight on works of art or pieces of historical
importance which cannot be shown because of lack of space.
This exotic and detailed wall tile is one of the many artefacts in
store at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery which is unlikely to see the
light of day in the near future.
The work, entitled Khusraw sees Shirin Bathing, is a moulded and
glazed pottery tiledating back to the late 19th century.
continued...
Fiona Salvesen, keeper of art at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, said:
"The tile depicts an episode from the poetic romance Krushaw and
Shirin by Nizanni (1632-1680).
"It illustrates the moment when the lovers cross paths and Khusraw
catches a glimpse of Shirin bathing. Khusraw and his companion are
shown on horseback, tentatively approaching the bathing maiden.
"The exotic and colourful flora and fauna of the courtyard heighten
the sensuality of the moment.
"As with examples from Western visual and literary culture, we see
that the act of washing can be transformed from a mere domestic act
into something altogether more significant, seductive and spiritual.
"This tile was probably made for the export market, rather than for a
specific interior within Iran. Images such as this were sought after
by Western collectors and enthusiasts of the exotic' culture of the
Middle East."
The gallery has several other examples of ceramics from the Middle
East which are currently out on display.
The romance of Khusraw, the son of the King of Iran, and Shirin is a
classic text of Persian literature. It tells the story of the
courtship of the pre-Islamic king Khusraw Parviz and the Armenian
princess Shirin.
Shirin and Khusraw fell in love by seeing each other in portraits,
but their first meeting was long delayed. Before Shirin agreed to
marry Khusraw, there were obstacles to overcome, including the
vanquishing of Farhad, a rival for Shirin's affections.
The poet Nizami created the romance for a local ruler in North-west
Iran in 1184, and from the 15th century manuscripts containing the
poem were often illustrated with miniature paintings and later
ceramics, including tiles.
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/lo calnews/display.var.805469.0.suitor_catches_prince ss_in_the_bath.php
June 23 2006
Suitor catches princess in the bath . . .
By Wes Wright
Iranian wall tile at Bolton Museum
AMONG the many works of art held in store by Bolton Museum and Art
Gallery is a beautiful Iranian wall tile.
Iran hits the headlines today because of its hardline leader and
nuclear ambitions. But before Ayatollah Khomeini led the Islamic
revolution of 1979, the country had a long history of visual arts,
including ceramic depictions of classic Persian stories. This week we
are focusing on this tile as part of our Hidden Treasures series,
which puts the spotlight on works of art or pieces of historical
importance which cannot be shown because of lack of space.
This exotic and detailed wall tile is one of the many artefacts in
store at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery which is unlikely to see the
light of day in the near future.
The work, entitled Khusraw sees Shirin Bathing, is a moulded and
glazed pottery tiledating back to the late 19th century.
continued...
Fiona Salvesen, keeper of art at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, said:
"The tile depicts an episode from the poetic romance Krushaw and
Shirin by Nizanni (1632-1680).
"It illustrates the moment when the lovers cross paths and Khusraw
catches a glimpse of Shirin bathing. Khusraw and his companion are
shown on horseback, tentatively approaching the bathing maiden.
"The exotic and colourful flora and fauna of the courtyard heighten
the sensuality of the moment.
"As with examples from Western visual and literary culture, we see
that the act of washing can be transformed from a mere domestic act
into something altogether more significant, seductive and spiritual.
"This tile was probably made for the export market, rather than for a
specific interior within Iran. Images such as this were sought after
by Western collectors and enthusiasts of the exotic' culture of the
Middle East."
The gallery has several other examples of ceramics from the Middle
East which are currently out on display.
The romance of Khusraw, the son of the King of Iran, and Shirin is a
classic text of Persian literature. It tells the story of the
courtship of the pre-Islamic king Khusraw Parviz and the Armenian
princess Shirin.
Shirin and Khusraw fell in love by seeing each other in portraits,
but their first meeting was long delayed. Before Shirin agreed to
marry Khusraw, there were obstacles to overcome, including the
vanquishing of Farhad, a rival for Shirin's affections.
The poet Nizami created the romance for a local ruler in North-west
Iran in 1184, and from the 15th century manuscripts containing the
poem were often illustrated with miniature paintings and later
ceramics, including tiles.
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/lo calnews/display.var.805469.0.suitor_catches_prince ss_in_the_bath.php