A PAIR OF QAJAR GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL LIDDED VASES
Qajar Iran, second half 19th century

Each of flared cylindrical shape, resting on a circular foot with a baluster-like shaft in the centre, rising to a gently everted and straightened rim, the body surmounted by a hemispherical lid with a spire finial, the exterior decorated with gold-inlaid outlines with leaves and floral buds highlighting lobed and cusped cartouches engraved with lush floral bloom, vegetal sprays, animal hunting scenes and animals of prey like hares, doves and deer, three bands of Persian poetry in nasta'liq script grouped in roundels and oval cartouches around the edges of the rim and body, framed within gold lines and interspersed with gold dots, each 38cm high.