An early 20^th century Iraqi silver and niello teapot, circa 1927-29 signed Omara Shoodod

Of globular form with a curved tubular spout opposite a rattan covered C scroll handle, the pull off lid surmounted by a knop finial. The body with niello decoration of dhow sailing boats and fishermen in mashoof to one side and dhow sailing boats, a boatman in a gufa and camels with walkers to the other. The lid with the Taq Kasra (Ruins of Ctesiphon), camels with walkers, a boatman in a gufa, dhow sailing boats and fishermen in a mashoof. Signed to the side.

Length – 20.5 cm / 8 inches

Weight – 411 grams / 13.21 ozt

Provenance: Purchased between 1927-29 by Reginald Jack Stone (1906-89), originally from Great Yarmouth who initially qualified for the RAF then unfortunately due to a motor bike accident could not continue flying. He took up the option of joining the RAF Rolls Royce Armoured car units in Iraq, serving in Basra. He met and married Gladys Baldwin (1896-1946), a nursing sister in Basra hospital. Thence by descent.