FOUR SILVER CIGARETTE CASES

Iran, late 19th - early 20th century

Comprising two smaller cigarette cases, of rectangular shape, both with a rounded click-in opening mechanism, the lid and bottom engraved with figural scenes from the Persian classics such as Shirin visiting the rock-carver Farhad, and courtly banquet scenes, the sides engraved with floral sprays, both stamped 'Amal-e Ja'far', a renowned silversmith of Isfahan, the largest 8.5cm x 10cm; and two unstamped larger cigarette cases, both of rectangular shape, with very fine engravings on both the lid and bottom, on one case two lovers in a garden drinking merrily, on the latter a dancer accompanied by a lute player, the reverse with an oval portrait medallion of the famous poet Ferdowsi, signed 'Amal-e Mohammad 'Ali Zai' P.. (?)', the largest 13.8cm x 8cm.