A QAJAR POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMELLED SILVER QALYAN CUP
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Iran, 19th century

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', with three oval portraits of a Qajar youth and two ladies from the courtly entourage interspersed amidst cusped medallions with lush floral bloom and birds, all against cobalt blue enamelled ground, bands of gilt paisley leaves (butis) framing the top and lower edges of the cup, the interior once with blue enamel, 8cm diam. and 6.5cm high.