A MONUMENTAL QAJAR GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL TWO-HANDLED BALUSTER VASE
Qajar Iran, mid to late 19th century

Of pyriform shape, resting on a large splayed circular foot, rising to a tall flared neck ending in an everted scalloped rim, the exterior engraved with interlocking split palmette trellis and arabesque design on the foot and base; thuluth calligraphic bands and lush floral arrangements on the main body and neck's base; and a courtly banqueting scene around the neck; the chiselled floral, figural and foliate motifs offset by gold damascening mainly presented in the form of cusped arabesque medallions in-filled with vegetal scrollwork and foliage, 53.5cm high.