What's it Worth? Appraisal for Camel Bone Paintings

Teresa asks:

The enclosed photos are of a set (3) of miniature paintings purchased in
Tehran in the mid-seventies.

She said they were painted with the eyelash of a camel, but we
have been told that is a myth. They are painted on what appears to be
mother of pearl. The larger one is approximately 10”x5” and the two smaller
ones are approximately 6”x5”.

Thank you Teresa

AW says: Hello Teresa, believe it or not it’s likely that your paintings were painted using the eyelash of a Camel, you see your 3 framed paintings are actually on Camel Bone, the round medallion is on mother of pearl.

These Camel bone paintings have been done for many years in Iran and are a tradition still being carried out today. My appraisal is for the group of them. (Your notarized, hard copy of your appraisal is on the way)

Yours were done by the same artist and there is added value in that. They depict a sporting match, a hunt scene and what is likely a wedding dance.

Date range: 20 century

Retail value: $700-$900 for the group

Common terminology, nicknames, keywords: Camel Bone Paintings, Iraninan, Persian folk art

Care and storage tips: I would not do anything except keep them clean and in a safe place. It’s never a good idea to clean a painting unless your a professional.