Bestowing Beauty: Masterpieces from Persian Lands features more than 100 works of art from the 6th to the 19th century, on view to the public for the first time. The exhibition highlights the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Iranian civilization.

Drawn from the Hossein Afshar Collection—one of the most significant collections of Persian art held in private hands—these objects are rarely displayed publicly. The works span a range of media, including carpets, textiles, manuscripts, paintings, ceramics, lacquer, metalwork, scientific instruments, and jeweled objects.

Among the extraordinary selection are exquisite miniature paintings from the Shahnama, the Iranian national epic; a range of historically significant ceramics; precious inlaid metal wares; finely woven silk fabrics; and a monumental silk carpet from the apex of Safavid dynasty carpet production.

Related Publications
The Legacy of Persian Art: Masterpieces from the Hossein Afshar Collection and Bestowing Beauty: Masterpieces from Persian Lands—Selections from the Hossein Afshar Collection are available through the MFA Shop (713.639.7360) and the Museum’s Hirsch Library (713.639.7325).