A QAJAR POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMELLED SILVER AND COPPER QALYAN CUP WITH PORTRAITS
Iran, 19th century

Of typical flaring cylindrical shape, with an everted rim, resting on a gadrooned gilt copper base attached to a later-added wooden stand, the exterior decorated with polychrome enamels and gold, featuring two portraits of Qajar maidens and another of a courtly official or prince, all set against a cobalt blue ground livened with pairs of birds in relief and large floral medallions in the middle, encased within two vegetal decorative bands with paisley leaves and rosettes at the top and bottom of the cup, three white metal chainlets hanging around the base, the interior plain, 15.5cm including the wooden stand.