A QAJAR GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL QALYAN CUP
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Iran, late 19th century

Of typical flaring cylindrical shape, with an everted rim, the steel exterior inlaid in gold with a celebratory banquet scene, possibly a wedding scene, two lovers seated on a low bed surrounded by musicians, dancers, attendants, bowls of food and ewers of drinks, each figurine engraved to add more character to their faces and outfits, mounted on a blue-painted wooden stem, 8cm diam. and 16.5cm high.