Composite Bow

Bows of this shape and size were traditionally used for hunting. Considered a composite bow (known in Persian as kaman morrakab) these bows consisted of three parts including a wooden core, a horn and a sinew. This example – presented in its unstrung position – is exquisitely decorated on its exterior with fine polychrome lacquered decoration, known as raughan-i-kaman (bow-gloss), a type of decoration found on bookbindings, pen cases, and other similar products made in Safavid, Zand and Qajar Iran during the 11th ro 13th centuries AH/ 17th to 19th centuries CE. The painting on this particular bow, which depicts fine hunting scenes, can be compared to that of Mirza Baba (active, 1208-1246 AH / 1793-1830 CE) – a renowned Qajar painter assigned to the court of Fath Ali Shah (r. 1212-1250 AH / 1797-1834 CE) in Tehran; however, certain aspects of the portraiture, in particular, are much closer to Zand period painting, as seen in works by the artist Muhammad Sadiq. This bow forms a small group of similar examples depicting hunting scenes, and while this bow most likely served as a ceremonial example, when used it would have curved back on itself when strung, providing a very powerful natural spring when released.