Persian lacquer painting (rugani): pen-boxes, mirror cases and covers

Technique

Papier-mâché or wood is primed, painted in watercolour or oil with fine brushes, and sealed with many coats of oil-based varnish. The varnish gives the deep, warm glow.

Key periods

Safavid and especially Qajar artists — including families of court painters — made lacquer pen-boxes (qalamdan) a major art form.

Checking condition

• Fine craquelure in the varnish is normal on old pieces
• Look for overpaint under UV light
• Hinges and edges are where losses start
• Check that the scene matches the period claimed

A note on this guide

This is a general introduction written by the CraftPersia editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a specialist. Workshop practice varies between towns and families; treat dates and figures as approximate and confirm details with makers, museums or published scholarship before relying on them.