Qajar Seals in Golestan Palace

TEHRAN.(Iranart) – G olestan Palace in Tehran opens today a show of royal seals and stamps belonging to its former residents.

The UNESCO world heritage center is holding the exhibition of seals and written orders from the Qajar era (1785-1925), Azad News Agency (ANA) reported.

Slated for September 12-22, the exhibition displays 76 seals and stamps in various forms such as rings and pendants. Also on display are three seal-bearing written orders issued by the fourth Qajar ruler Nasser al-Din Shah (1831-1896), his son and successor Mozaffar al-Din Shah (1853-1907) and the last king Ahmad Shah (1898-1930).

“The featured seals used to belong to kings, viziers and special women in the royal court. Some have handles made with gold or silver. Some are beset with gems,” said Masoud Nosrati, director of the complex.

“Each of the signets was used for a certain type of command or document. Some contain texts while others are non-verbal with images and symbols. Some of them carry the name of a king in the form of a verse. Most seals are made of agate or emerald,” Nosrati said.

From the founder of the Qajar dynasty Aqa Mohammad Khan (1742-1797) to Ahmad Shah, Golestan Palace has preserved fine and exotic seals that are unique in the word. “These seals are considered extraordinary museum assets with regard to technique, artistry and historical significance,” he added.

The exhibition ‘A Selection of Royal Seals from Qajar Era’ opens today at 11 am. On the following days, visiting hours are 9 am to 5 pm. Golestan Palace is located downtown near Arg Square.