A QAJAR SILVER ENAMELLED WATER PIPE (QALYAN) BOTTLE
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Qajar Iran, 19th century

Of traditional ovoid shape, the spout and rim with floral collars, one gilt, the latter in plain silver, the central section of the body decorated with six large oval medallions of repoussé silver with pairs of Qajar youths and ladies alternating with vegetal tendrils, birds and flower heads, the upper and lower parts of the body with polychrome-painted enamel miniature portraits with traces of gilt borders depicting youths and members of the royal entourage, interspersed with silver repoussé birds and floral motifs on gilt and cobalt blue enamelled ground, at the bottom two bands of floral garlands and gilt scrollwork, approximately 21cm high.