A QAJAR POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMELLED BRASS QALYAN CUP WITH PORTRAITS OF WESTERN BEAUTIES
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Qajar Iran, second half 19th century

Of typical flaring cylindrical shape, with an everted rim, the exterior painted in polychrome enamels with four circular medallions filled with miniature portraits of blue-eyed Western beauties presented in different settings, wearing necklaces with cross charms and Western dresses with puffed sleeves or en négligé with loose, revealing robes, all set against a diamond-shaped gilt grid against cobalt blue ground, 8cm diam. and 6cm high.