Sun Boss
Armour of the Sun (c.1803)
By the early 19th century, when this set was made, armour was becoming a form of historical costume. But it carried emotional power, linking the wearer to the legendary heroes of ancient Iran like Rustam. It recalled, too, the exploits of the brave companions of the Prophet Muhammad and the holy imams. The round face on this armour is a representation of the sun. This motif was seen on Iranian armour from ancient times. The two sockets on the front of the helmet are for the plumes that mmarked royal status.
[V&A]
Epic Iran
(May - September 2021)
Epic Iran explores 5,000 years of Iranian art, design and culture, bringing together over 300 objects from ancient, Islamic and contemporary Iran.
Iran was home to one of the great historic civilisations, yet its monumental artistic achievements remain unknown to many. Epic Iran explores this civilisation and the country's journey into the 21st century, from the earliest known writing – signalling the beginning of history in Iran – through to the 1979 Revolution and beyond. Ranging from sculpture, ceramics and carpets, to textiles, photography and film, the works in this exhibition reflect the country's vibrant historic culture, architectural splendours, the abundance of myth, poetry and tradition that have been central to Iranian identity for millennia, and the evolving, self-renewing culture evident today.
[V&A]
Taken in the V&A
Sun Boss
Armour of the Sun (c.1803)
By the early 19th century, when this set was made, armour was becoming a form of historical costume. But it carried emotional power, linking the wearer to the legendary heroes of ancient Iran like Rustam. It recalled, too, the exploits of the brave companions of the Prophet Muhammad and the holy imams. The round face on this armour is a representation of the sun. This motif was seen on Iranian armour from ancient times. The two sockets on the front of the helmet are for the plumes that mmarked royal status.
[V&A]
Epic Iran
(May - September 2021)
Epic Iran explores 5,000 years of Iranian art, design and culture, bringing together over 300 objects from ancient, Islamic and contemporary Iran.
Iran was home to one of the great historic civilisations, yet its monumental artistic achievements remain unknown to many. Epic Iran explores this civilisation and the country's journey into the 21st century, from the earliest known writing – signalling the beginning of history in Iran – through to the 1979 Revolution and beyond. Ranging from sculpture, ceramics and carpets, to textiles, photography and film, the works in this exhibition reflect the country's vibrant historic culture, architectural splendours, the abundance of myth, poetry and tradition that have been central to Iranian identity for millennia, and the evolving, self-renewing culture evident today.
[V&A]
Taken in the V&A