A QAJAR POLYCHROME-ENAMELLED COPPER QALYAN CUP
Iran, 19th century

Of typical cylindrical shape with a wide everted circular rim, resting on a later-added circular foot with three animal-shaped legs, the exterior finely embellished with polychrome-painted enamels, the decoration consisting of alternating roundels and vertical oval cartouches filled with courtly scenes of merriment, wine drinking, lovers and a separated pair, the lady with long thick black hair possibly pining over the Qajar military officer with a tall Astrakhan kaj-kolah and gilt epaulettes, holding a green parrot on his finger, the figural cartouches set against a dark cobalt blue enamel ground and interspersed with gold-leaf stippled appliquéd rosette heads with red centres, the lower band filled with rosettes and floral bloom designs in polychrome enamels, 9.5cm high and 7.5cm diam.