A QAJAR POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMELLED COPPER EWER WITH FOUR ZARF CUPS
Qajar Iran, mid to late 19th century

Comprising a copper ewer of slender pyriform shape, resting on a short, flared stem and sloping, circular foot, rising to a tapering, tubular neck with a ring at mid-height, surmounted by a hinged dome-shaped lid, with a thin and sinuous handle and upward-turned spout on the sides, the exterior painted in shades of pink, blue, black, green, white, yellow and gold enamels, the figural decoration depicting gatherings en plein air with two Sufi sheykhs (one on each side) surrounded by Qajar youths and maidens, further portrait roundels on the lid and foot, the figural decoration interspersed amidst lush floral blossoms, foliate stems, and aviary motifs, the interior painted in a dark blueish grey tone, 25.5cm high; and four small zarf cups, matching the decorative style and motifs of the ewer with portrait roundels and floral sprays, each approx. 4.5cm diam. and 4cm high.