A QAJAR POLYCHROME-ENAMELLED GILT-COPPER QALYAN (WATER PIPE)
Qajar Iran, mid to late 19th century

Comprising an ovoid gilt-copper qalyan bottle, the lower section of conical shape, terminating in a bulbous pommel, the decoration on the body following Qajar standards and featuring polychrome-painted enamelled rosette festoons, floral motifs, and portrait medallions of Qajar maidens and youths wearing hats à la française, interspersed amidst boteh leaves in-filled with rosettes and vegetal scrolls, the bottle surmounted by a carved wooden section with several concentric rings, then a tall, cylindrical gilt-copper neck terminating in a wide everted, conical qalyan cup, presenting a similar decorative repertoire to the body with floral motifs and Qajar tronies' portraits painted in polychrome enamels, three decorative chainlets hanging on the sides, at the top a later-added, pierced brass brazier cup incised with arches and flower heads, mounted on a brass tripod with S-shaped sloping legs and feline feet, 67.5cm high.