Persian Hand-Painted Miniature, Courtly Lovers with Setar — Khatam Marquetry Frame, Signed

A finely executed Persian miniature painted on bone, depicting a seated couple in a garden pavilion: one figure in a rose-and-blue robe cradles a long-necked setar, while a green-clad companion stands raising a wine cup beside a latticed window. The scene is rendered in the Isfahan tradition with detailed faces, gold highlights, blossoming branches, and tile-pattern flooring. The painting is signed lower left.

The miniature is set within an elaborate khatam marquetry frame combining geometric star inlay of bone, wood, and brass with hand-painted panels at each side. The painted borders carry hunting and courtly scenes — riders on horseback wielding lances, figures gathered in landscape — with palm and floral motifs at the corners. The frame is fitted with a glass cover and configured to stand freely or hang on a wall. A complete decorative object in the classic Qajar-revival idiom produced for the Persian collector and export market through the 20th century.

CONDITION

Excellent. No damage. Paint and gilding are bright; marquetry inlay is intact across the frame.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 10 5/8" H × 8 5/8" W × 5/8" D
• Visible Painting: 6 1/2" × 4 1/2"
• Materials: Wood, bone, brass, glass
• Signed lower left
• Free standing or wall hanging