A QAJAR GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL BOTTLE WITH GRAPES
Qajar Iran, second half 19th century

Of pyriform shape, with a bulbous body, resting on a splayed circular foot, rising to a gently flared narrow neck with a bulging ring next to its base and an everted circular mouth at the top, surmounted by a dome-shaped stopper with a spire finial, the exterior finely decorated with extensive gold-inlaid decorative motifs including scrolling vines and grape bunches, cusped cartouches filled with rosette bouquets, interlocking vegetal sprays and stylised arabesque medallions, the presence of grapes among the designs possibly hinting at the use of this bottle for sharab (wine) and special occasions, 47cm high.

A pair of elegant Qajar steel bottles of similar shape and signed by the great master of Persian metalwork Hajji 'Abbas sold in these Rooms, 22 April 2020, lot 137. The fineness of the gold damascening is equally impressive.