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Persian box

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 7:50 am
by amena
I found this Persian box that has a representation of a multitude of characters on the lid.
Image
I can't make sense of this scene, there's a king or a notable anyway, a character milking a cow, people who seem to be carrying bread.
Maybe there is a reference to some traditional story that I don't know?
Anyone have information about it?
Thanks for the attention.
Amena

Re: Persian box

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2022 10:56 pm
by Damon
Hello Amena

This may be inspired by the story of "Bahram Gur in a Peasant's House". A source image is at https://art.thewalters.org/detail/27890 ... s-house-2/ The story dates to the Sasanian period of Iranian history

The key figures are the king who is in disguise and the peasant's wife who has her back to the king while mllking a cow.

The cow gives no milk and the wife, not knowing that the king is present, complains that the lack of milk is due to his cruel rule. Hearing this, the king vows to do a better job and the cow begins to give milk.

I am not absolutely certain that this story is the basis for the image on your box but it seems to be a good candidate for further inquiry

Hope this is of interest

Damon

Re: Persian box

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2022 7:42 am
by amena
Thanks Damon, I think you've hit the mark.
Your information was very helpful
Regards
Amena