Persian Wall Decor Plate

This Persian lacquerware plate handmade papier-mache is handpainted in the scared tree of life design in a raised lacquerware decoration. This plate is painted with vibrant gold, red, and mint green highlights. The black ground creates a strong contrast between these colors, and the board rim of the plate displays a rich red lobbed handpainted border. The tree of life design represents the aswatha or peepal tree. It remains a sacred symbol representing spiritual significance, bonding elements between heaven and earth, and all aspects of life.

We estimate this handmade lacquerware plate’s date to be the early-mid 20th century. Based on the oxidation to the surface and patina to the lacquer paint. Usually, a dish like this would be an homage to plates of the earlier lacquer work and fine painting techniques of the Mugal era during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The Mugal era has always been associated with extremely fine and delicate hand painting. This era has served as a benchmark for future Middleastern, Persian, Islamic, and Indian works of art and painting.