Five watercolours of Qajar maidens, Persia, Qajar, 19th century

watercolour on paper, finely painted in bright colours with gold details, each individually mounted, one with old collector note 'costume de femme Persane'

All in good condition, colours bright, set in mounts, the painting of woman with small child with few minor flakes, musician with minor stains on paper, one of dancers with minor flake on dress, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These images of Persian characters before a plain background are examples of the 'tourist' type of miniature produced prolifically for European visitors to Iran from the reign of Fath 'Ali Shah (1797-1834) onwards.

For comparable examples see B. Robinson, Jean Pozzi: L'Orient d'un collectionneur, Musée d'art et d'histoire, Geneve, 1992, p.332-3.