Sykes' History of Persia Vol 2 (pdf) - Heritage Institute

294 HISTORY OF PERSIA
produce an effect of great richness. The border is
frequently composed of verses most artistically
woven into
the picture ;
and here it
may be noted that the Persian
painter is also frequently a calligraphist,
and that no other
people are so skilled in using the alphabet for decorative
purposes. The failure would appear to be that the figures
never tell their own story from the expression, but resemble
waxen figures set in exquisite surroundings. Nature is
not studied for its own beauty, but in order to explain
the subject of the picture, and to act as a sympathetic and
illustrative background.
The themes of the Persian artist are few in number
and are generally confined to well-known events such
as the meeting between Khusru and Shirin, and Majnun
and Layla. During the Safavi period European figures
were introduced. Religious subjects were rarely attempted.
The Persian painter groups badly, but draws well. His
figures are less important than the accessories, such as
clothes, jewelry and weapons, which are reproduced with
infinite pains.
The colouring
is excellent and the results
are distinctly pleasing, although apt to strike the
European as unfamiliar and at times as bordering on the
grotesque. 1
Metal Work. -The genius of Persia, so strongly expressed
in ceramics and textiles, was equally
visible in
metal work of every kind. In shape, and above all in
decoration, the Persian metal worker was unsurpassed,
and his armour and swords enjoyed a wide reputation.
To this Marco Polo
"
testifies :
They are very skilful in
making harness of war their
; saddles, bridles, spurs,
swords, bows, quivers, and arms of every kind are very
well made." Vessels of all sorts abound, from the drinking-cup
of the poor man to the great
cauldron of the
rich, and in them all there is a beauty of form and design
which is most attractive. Of modern art, the gold and
silver filigree
work of Zenjan and the Kkatamkari, or
mosaics, of Shiraz are worthy of attention nor can the
;
carved spoons of Abadeh be omitted from any list,
however
brief.
1
These remarks are based on the review of Martin's work in The Times.