A QAJAR GILT-COPPER QALYAN CUP ENCRUSTED WITH TURQUOISE BEADS
Iran, 19th century

Of typical flaring conical shape, with a gently everted and raised rim, resting on a later-added gilt-copper base, the exterior fully encrusted with overlapping rows of small cabouchon-cut turquoise beads, encased within two bands of red beads, some beads made of rubies or spinels (UV-tested) but mostly made of glass and paste, the interior plain, 7.4cm high.