166 
ISPAHAN. 
be allowed to possess a very considerable share of merit, and to be 
strong instances of the genius of the people. The colours with which 
they are executed retain their original freshness; at least if they have 
faded they must have been such in their first state, as we have not seen 
in Europe. The gilding, which is every where intermixed, either to ex¬ 
plain the richness of the dress, or the quality of the utensils, is of a 
brilliancy perhaps never surpassed. 
They possess less questionably an excellence, to which the merit of 
colouring is at any rate very subordinate. They mark strongly and 
faithfully the manners of their subject, and combine in a series of 
pleasing and accurate records a variety of details, of feature, attitude, 
dress, dancing, musical instruments, table furniture, arms, and horse 
accoutrements of the country. Shah Abbas, in the painting to the 
right, has no beard. The fashions have altered with the times, and the 
present King cherishes a beard which descends lower than his girdle, 
and touches the ground when he sits. The notoriety of Shah Abbas 
in the revels of the table, and particularly his love of wine, are here 
displayed in characters so strong, that they cannot be mistaken: and so 
little did he endeavour to conceal his propensities, that he is here 
painted in the very act of drinking. The faces of the women are very 
pleasing, but their wanton looks and lascivious attitudes easily explain 
their professions. 
The furniture of the Chehel Sitoon, which consists indeed of carpets 
only, is still kept there. The carpets of the time of Abbas are of a large 
pattern, more regular and infinitely superior in texture to those of the 
present day. Although the outer part of the fabric is suffered to fall to 
ruin, the interior is still preserved in repair, as it forms the Dewan 
Khonth, or Hall of Audience to the Palace; and is, therefore, kept in 
readiness for the King's reception. 
Adjoining to the Chehel Sitoon is the harem; the term in Persia is ap¬ 
plied to the establishments of the great, zenana is confined to those of 
the inferior people. This building was lately erected by Mahomed 
Hossein Kiian, the second Minister, and presented by him to his 
