A rare early 20th century Iraqi silver and niello tobacco jar or tea caddy, Nasiriyah circa 1910

Early period, of cylindrical form with a pull off lid. The lid with a nielloed scene of rider on horseback encircled in a geometric band. The sides nielloed with a ferry boat, dhow sailing boats and two mudif, with birds in the sky, all between interlaced scrolling bands. Unsigned.

Height – 9.4 cm / 3.75 inches

Weight – 141 grams / 4.5 ozt

The majority of Iraqi niello silver is found from the period following WWI, these rarer earlier wares are believed to come from Nasiriyah and are characterised by bolder more thickly delineated niello areas. Farhan is a maker known to have been working in the area, found on signed pieces including those made after WWI.