Draft:The Sarikhani Collection

Sarikhani Collection: Unveiling the Tapestry of Iranian Art and Culture

The Sarikhani Collection is an assembly of Iranian art and artifacts established by Ali Sarikhani, a financial entrepreneur, and his daughter, Ina Rokhsana Sarikhani Sandmann. This collection, consisting of nearly 1,000 works, encompasses a range of art and antiquities from the 3rd millennium BC to the 18th century, with a focus on Iranian cultural heritage.

Founding and Growth: Founded in the 1990s, the Sarikhani Collection began with the acquisition of ten artifacts. The motivation behind the collection was the Sarikhani family's desire to connect with their Iranian cultural roots. Ali Sarikhani and his daughter started acquiring objects as a means of addressing this cultural yearning.

Epic Iran Exhibition: The Sarikhani Collection gained visibility through its involvement in the 'Epic Iran' exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Approximately one-sixth of the exhibition's items were sourced from the Sarikhani Collection. Ina Sarikhani, with her academic background, led the curation, specifically overseeing the contemporary and modern section.

Collection Highlights: Among the noteworthy artifacts in the collection are an 18th-century lacquer pen box depicting a banqueting scene and a bronze casting of an Elamite couple from the second millennium BC. The collection aims to provide an aesthetic insight into Iranian culture and historical periods.

Philosophy and Criteria: The Sarikhani Collection maintains a commitment to aesthetic quality, with a criterion that objects must be of exceptional quality. The focus is on items collected and dispersed in Europe and America, avoiding acquisitions in Iran due to concerns over provenance and title issues.

Beyond the Collection: In addition to managing the Sarikhani Collection, Ina Sarikhani is actively involved with various museums, serving as a trustee at the Royal Academy of Arts and contributing to museum refurbishments. The family engages in educational initiatives, with objects on long-term loan at St Andrews University in Scotland.

Contemporary and Non-Iranian Art: Ina Sarikhani's art collection extends beyond Iranian art, including an Old Master painting, an African fetish figure, and an avant-garde painting by Sergei Volokhov. The family demonstrates openness to diverse and controversial works.

Legacy and Contribution: The Sarikhani Collection, as a repository of Iranian art, serves as a family legacy and contributes to cultural enrichment. Through participation in exhibitions and educational initiatives, the family aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of Iranian culture.