A QAJAR OPENWORK GILT-COPPER POLYCHROME-ENAMELLED QALYAN SECTION (WATER PIPE)
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Iran, 19th century

Of conical shape, the copper sheet gilt, pierced, and painted in polychrome enamels, the decoration consisting of cusped blue-enamelled cartouches filled individually with a hare and a bird, further polychrome-painted birds amidst the cartouches and two rows of stylised floral buds or palmettes at the top and bottom of the water pipe section, all against a ground of scrolling and interlocking floral sprays, 7cm widest diam. and 7cm high.