A GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL EWER AND BASIN
Qajar Iran, 19th century

Comprising a pyriform ewer with compressed and flattened sides, resting on a splayed foot and rising to a tall tubular neck with a bulging ring in the middle and everted rim, surmounted by a dome-shaped lid with a faceted spike finial, the sinuous handle terminating in a dragon head, the exterior inlaid with gold decorations including cusped cartouches of vegetal sprays, fretwork bands and two calligraphic medallions around the sides, 40.5cm high; and a matching gold-damascened steel basin, with a compressed globular body and wide everted rim, the centre covered with an openwork lid with a rounded pommel, the inlaid decoration consisting of interlocking cusped cartouches filled with vegetal scrolls and stylised arabesque motifs, 31cm diam. and 12.5cm high.

Inscription on the ewer: The point is to leave a mark behind; as I see no long-lasting power in life.