Iranian, Northern India
Book Stand (Rahla), 18th century
Wood, bone, brass, tin, and lac, 47 cm (18 1/2 in.)
This X-shaped book stand has a long hinge at its center which allows it to fold flat. It is a muted gold color, and decorated on all sides with a floral arabesque motif. There are elongated diamond shapes at the center of the upper sides and serpentine cut outs on the lower. The edges have double rows of a beaded border.
Tapestry Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.