Personal Letter, Qajar Era
A handwritten letter in a fluid hand, dated to the lunar calendar, addressed to a Qajar-era court official.
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The Persian Folio Collection
Five Chapters, One Archive
Each chapter holds a piece of Iran's written and visual memory; from the autograph of a historical figure to a chancery decree or a studio portrait. Items marked "Request" are viewable only by prior arrangement, for researchers and collectors.
I
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Manuscripts & Personal Letters
Letters, journal entries and autographs of political, social, cultural and artistic figures in Iranian history; dated, and in many cases bearing the writer's signature or personal seal.
Literary Notebook, Early Pahlavi
A page from the personal notebook of a writer or poet, with handwritten corrections to the text.
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Social Correspondence, Dated 1302 SH
A private letter between two well-known social figures, containing references to events of the day.
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II
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Original Photographs
Original prints from historic Iranian photography studios, bearing the photographer's stamp or signature on the card mount or the verso; a record of formal and family photography from the Qajar to the Pahlavi era.
Studio Portrait, Qajar Era
An albumen print of a formal portrait, bearing the oval stamp of the photography studio on the mount's border.
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Family Keepsake Photograph, Early Pahlavi
A keepsake photograph of a well-known cultural family, taken at a formal studio with a rectangular stamp.
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Architectural Photograph, Late Qajar
A print of an urban or chancery building, from the body of work of a noted Qajar-era photographer.
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III
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Royal Farmans & Decrees
Farmans, decrees and chancery documents from the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, Qajar and Pahlavi eras; bearing official court seals and signatures, and in some cases a royal tughra.
Chancery Decree, Safavid Era
A chancery document with an official tughra at the top of the page and a round chancellor's seal at the base of the text.
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Appointment Decree, Qajar Era
A chancery appointment decree addressed to a local official, bearing the official diamond-shaped seal of the chancery.
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Title Grant Farman, First Pahlavi Era
An official farman granting a title or honor to a state official, bearing the chancery's blue-inked seal.
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IV
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Academic & Educational Records
Diplomas, certificates and academic credentials of notable figures in Iranian culture, literature, science and art, issued by schools and universities at home and abroad.
V
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Diplomatic Papers & Family Archives
Diplomatic correspondence, family albums, medals and citations, and other documented artifacts of Iran's modern social and official life — the collection's "and much more" chapter.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Pahlavi Era
An official letter between two diplomatic bodies, bearing a letterhead seal and the signature of the responsible official.
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Family Album, Late Qajar
A collection of family photographs arranged in a handmade cardboard album.
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Official Medal & Citation
A state medal awarded to a cultural or social figure, with its presentation case and citation.
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Arrange Access to Restricted Documents
Researchers, institutions and collectors may request an in-person or remote viewing of restricted portions of the collection.
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