A papier maché box and cover Iran, late 17th - 18th century Ink and natural pigments highlighted with gold. . Cm 40,50 x 26,00 x 30,00. Exquisite rectangular box with rounded top and corner feet. The surface is richly ornate with high-relief crème colored lobed cartouches, on a background painted with flowers, birds and animals on a bronze colored iridescent base. The bigger cartouches are miniated with scenes in Safavide style, depicting rural scenes with couples drinking wine or the game of polo. The smaller cartouches are instead decorated with animals and flowers. The edges and the corners are filled with multicolored arabesques.The inside of the lid is finely painted with floral motifs on a red background, while five cartouches with scenes depicting couples are on the exterior side; the base is decorated with similar motifs, though in golden paint on black.The lid underwent a conservative restoration.