Large illuminated firman from Nassereddin Shah Qajar conferr - Lot 125

Large illuminated firman from Nassereddin Shah Qajar conferring the title of Khan on Antoine Kitabgi Ink, pigments and gold on paper, in a wood and gilded stucco frame Iran, 1305 AH / 1887 AD Page: 67.5 x 44 cm Frame: 83.5 x 62 cm Provenance: Nassereddin Shah Qajar, Antoine Kitagbi Khan, This historical document is a firman (royal decree) dated Safar 1305 AH (1887), headed by the seal of the Qajar ruler Nassereddin Shah (r. 1848-1896), inscribed in a finely illuminated poly-lobed cartouche. The text is then written in black ink in broad ta'liq script, spread over five lines inscribed in clouds in reserve on gilded cartouches, and fine illuminated friezes of floral motifs and blue wavy lines on a gilded background. The rest of the page is almost entirely decorated with gold floral motifs. The text names Monsieur Kitabgi, to whom the decree grants the title of Khan. He was Antoine Kitabgi Khan (1843-1902), Director General of Persian Customs between 1881 and 1893. In 1887, after a successful tenure, he received the honorary rank of general from the Shah, as well as the title of Khan, as attested by this original historical document. Expert: Mr. Alexis Renard