* A NEAR PAIR OF QAJAR POLYCHROME-ENAMELLED GILT-COPPER QALYAN BOTTLES
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE EUROPEAN COLLECTOR
Qajar Iran, 19th century, the later wiring, mid to late 20th century

Comprising two egg-shaped gilt-copper qalyan bottles, the lower end of conical shape, terminating in a faceted drop-like pommel, the exterior decorated in the typical Qajar fashion with polychrome-painted enamels, the lower band on the body with scalloped vertical lines with rosette festoons, floral motifs and roundels with bust portraits, the upper band and terminal with oval and circular medallions with portraits of Qajar youths interspersed with rosettes, fretwork patterns and floral designs, both qalyan bottles wired and mounted as lamps, approximately 44cm high including the lamp mounts.