AN INDIAN BRASS FOOTED AFTABA (WATER VESSEL)
North India, mid to late 19th century

Of typical compressed pyriform shape, resting on four short feet, rising to a tall tapering neck, with a domed lid and finial on the top, a sinuous handle with dragon and lion heads and a straight faceted spout on the sides, the exterior fully engraved with a foliate diamond-shaped grid featuring ring-punched floral centres, surrounding two drop-shaped cartouches filled with floral sprays, the shape and decorative repertoire of the ewer reminiscent of 17th-century Mughal brass wares, 32cm high.