DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM OF IRAN

Oil on canvas portrait of Kamal-ol-molk, by Sani-os-soltan. Dated 1326

Page of Shekasteh - Nasta' liq schript, by Seyyed Ali - akbar Golestaneh Ehtesham-o-sadat; 1319

Calligraphic page in Nasta'liq-e- Chalipa script, by Mir Ali Shirazi "Shams-ol-odaba" following a page by Mir "Emad. Dated 1282

Page of Siah-mashq in Shekasteh-Nasta'liq schript, by Mirza Gholam-reza Esfahani "Khohnevis-bashi" Late 13th century

Outstanding Oil on canvas portrait of Hakim-ol-molk, by Mohammad Ghaffäri Kamal - ol-molk. Dated 1329

Watercolour painting of a shepherd, by Mirza Ali Khan. Dated 1333 / 1914-5

Oil painting of spinners, by Aqa Musa. Early 14th century  / 20th century

Watercolour painting of Bab-e-Homayoon Avenue, Tehran, by Mohamood Khan Sharif Malek-osh-shoara. 13th century /19th centry AD

Watercolour painting of the mountains north of Shemiran, by Mahmood Khan Sharif Malek-osh-sho'ara 13th  / 19th contury

Inlaid box. 13th century / 19 century A.D.

The Decorative Arts Museum of Iran was established in 1959, and began its official activity in 1961. Among the incentives for its establishment were the acquisition of historic, artistic and cultural masterpieces, the conservation and safekeeping of such items, the provision of facilities required for scholarly work and research about them, the acquaintance with the way of living of past generations, the dissemination of knowledge about the achievements of Islamic arts and culture, and ultimately the better presentation of decorative arts.

A summary survey of the history of Iranian art shows that, in this country, the decorative aspect of arts has always had precedence over their other aspects. This particular interest in decorative arts, and their considerable progress, may be witnessed in all the artifacts and utensils discovered in the course of archeology excavations dealing with various of historical periods.

The objects conserved in the Decorative Arts Museum of Iran, which have all been made by the able hands of Iranian artists, show to what extent art is widespread among the various classes of a people who have impregnated life with art and beauty.  Although some of the items date back to the pre – Islamic era, the major part of the Museum’s collections range from the 17th century to the present time. 

GUID TO THE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM OF IRAN 

Abolfazl Zabeh / Claud Karbassi / Z. Karamati 1984