A QAJAR POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMELLED GILT COPPER QALYAN CUP WITH LOVERS
Iran, 19th century

Of typical flaring cylindrical shape, with an everted rim, the exterior finely decorated with polychrome enamels and gold, alternating roundels and oval cartouches with portraits of Qajar figures interspersed by vertical bands of colourful flowers and birds, the two vertical oval cartouches with male characters, one clad in princely attire holding a bouquet and the other with a dervish cap and an axe (tabarzin), the two roundels featuring typical lovers' scenes, the lower edge with half-moon cartouches filled with wild animals and the Sun and Lion emblem, the symbol of the Qajar dynasty, the interior painted in turquoise enamel, 5.1cm high.