A Zand or Qajar lacquered papier mache mirrorcase, Iran, 18th century, of rectangular form, decorated to front and back with gul-o-bulbul design on a sparkling ground within an outer border of cartouches containing Persian inscriptions in nasta'liq,and delicate gold scrolling gold leaf and flowers design, the interior with a fine portrait of 'Ali, 29.5 x 19.2cm. Losses to lacquer surface and papier mache in small areas to wide border of front and reverse, the miniature of ‘Ali to interior with some crackling to lacquer