IRAN, Pahlavis. Muhammad Reza Shah, AH 1320-1358 / AD 1941-1979. Order of Cultural Merit (Farhang va Honar) (Gold, Silver, Bronze and Enamel, 50 mm, 145.54 g), Set of three Orders, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class. By Arthus-Bertrand, Paris. Simurgh to right; above, Pahlavi Crown; all, set on blue and turquoise enameled flower on star. Very rare and on original pink, yellow, light blue, black and violet striped ribbons.Weight of the 1st Class (gold): 49.53 g. Good extremely fine.



The Order of Farhang va Honar was instituted to honor and promote exceptional achievements in science, scholarship, and the arts that advance Iran’s cultural and artistic life. Awarded in three classes by the Iranian High Council of Culture, it was conferred upon both Iranian and foreign scientists, scholars, and artists whose work was considered, by international standards, of outstanding importance for the development of art and culture.

All three classes of this order - and especially the gold class - are rarely encountered on the market, and only very seldom in such remarkable condition.