TWO QAJAR POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMELLED COPPER QALYAN CUPS
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Iran, 19th century

Each of typical flaring cylindrical shape, with an everted rim, the exterior painted in polychrome enamels following the typical Qajar arrangement of 'miniature portraits and floral bouquets', the larger cup with three oval portraits of Qajar youths from the courtly entourage interspersed amidst oval medallions with flowers and birds, 8.4cm diam. and 7.2cm high; and the smaller gilt cup with four oval miniature portraits of beautiful ladies inspired in their manners, attire and poses by Western models, alternating with lush rosette roundels, foliage and birds, each oval medallion within a beaded turquoise or red-paste frame, painted rosette bands framing the lower edge of the cup, the interior in turquoise, 7cm diam. and 5cm high.