Much of Parviz Tanavoli’s visual inspiration comes from Persian culture, the reality, myth and legend. The country’s rich poetic heritage, textile traditions and architecture, all feed into his sculptural works. As part of the Saqqakhaneh School of artists, he was part of the vanguard bringing modernism to Iran and creating an indigenous form of contemporary art. Common themes in Tanavoli’s work include poets, prophets, locks, lions, lovers, cages and birds.

In this sculpture, Tanavoli depicts two simplified figures holding a key, a visual device first seen in sculptures such as 'The Family of the Poet' (1971) and 'I Want my Beloved' (1971.