Understanding Iraqi Nielloware: A Guide to Collecting Rare Silver

Iraqi niello silver is becoming increasingly popular at auction, thanks to its distinctive craftsmanship, purity of silver and intricate decorative technique. Our Head of Silver & Objects of Vertu, John Rogers, shares his insight into this unique and often overlooked category of 20th-century silverwork.
Iraqi silver and niello tea set

Lot 372: A good early 20th century Iraqi silver and niello three-piece bachelor tea set

What is Iraqi Nielloware?

Silver produced in Iraq during the first half of the 20th century falls broadly into two main categories: engraved silver crafted by the Jewish community in Baghdad, and niello silver, made by the Sabean-Mandean community in Omara, Basra and Baghdad. The latter are also known as the Marsh Arabs.

In our June 2021 Silver & Objects of Vertu sale, we presented a private collection of Iraqi silver amassed over 15 years. This was thought to be the first large collection of its kind handled by a UK auction house, drawing significant attention from collectors.

While silver from the Jewish community in Baghdad is comparatively rare, niello silver was widely sold to tourists, military personnel and British ex-pats, making it relatively accessible on the international market today.

What is Niello?

Niello is a black metallic alloy usually made from sulphur, copper, silver and lead. It is used to fill engraved designs on silver surfaces, which are then polished smooth. Because the technique requires silver of high purity, niello work from Iraq is often found on well-made silverware.

An early 20th century Iraqi silver and niello cigarette case

Lot 351: An early 20th century Iraqi silver and niello cigarette case, sold for £750 including Buyer's Premium.

 

Common Iraqi Niello Silver Items

The most frequently encountered niello items are cigarette cases and napkin rings, though a wide variety of other pieces were made. These include:

  • Dressing table boxes

  • Posy vases

  • Cruets

  • Tea and coffee wares with trays

Designs often depict famous landmarks such as the Tomb of Ezra or the Taq Kasra (Ruins of Ctesiphon), as well as traditional river scenes showing gufa boats, camels, palm trees and other imagery specific to Iraq.

Identifying and Dating Iraqi Niello Silver

Unlike other silverware, Iraqi niello pieces were rarely hallmarked. Occasionally, import marks may be found, but dating typically depends on known examples, which span from around 1915 to 1970.

Many niello pieces were signed in Arabic using the niello technique itself, rather than with punched marks. The most sought-after makers include Zahroon, who worked in Omara and later in Basra, and Onaisi, silversmith to the Iraqi royal family. Some pieces show collaborative signatures, and a few combine Marsh Arab niello work with Jewish silver bases, offering rare insights into regional craftsmanship.

The reference book History of Iraqi Silver (2017) by Mohammed Al Baghdadi provides the most comprehensive list of known workshop signatures.

An early 20th century Iraqi silver and niello coffee pot

Lot 371: An early 20th century Iraqi silver and niello coffee pot, sold for £1,000 including Buyer's Premium

Collecting Iraqi Niello Silver

Prices for Iraqi niello silver have risen steadily over the past decade. Entry-level collecting often begins with:

  • Napkin rings: £15–30 each, or over £100 for rarer stirrup-shaped examples signed by Zahroon

  • Cigarette cases: Basic examples from £100–150; finely signed scenes up to £500 or more

  • Top-tier cases: Featuring aircraft scenes by Zahroon, valued over £2,000

  • Tea and coffee ware: Three-piece tea sets typically reach £1,000, with signed and inscribed examples commanding a premium

Collectors also seek unique custom niello scenes featuring ships, maps, aircraft or English cottages, which increase a piece's rarity and desirability.

As scholarship and awareness continue to grow, the field is gaining recognition alongside other regional niello traditions from Van in Armenia, Tabriz in Iran, and Nakhon Sri Thammarat in Thailand.

A Growing Market

Just as Indian and Chinese export silver found a wider market in the late 20th century, Iraqi nielloware is now following suit. As more information becomes available through scholarship and collector interest, significant examples are increasingly appearing at auction.

The future looks promising for this distinct and evocative craft, with its blend of cultural history and decorative appeal.

 

Interested in the value of your Iraqi or Middle Eastern silver?

Get in touch with our Silver & Objects of Vertu Department for a complimentary valuation.
Contact:  john.rogers@chiswickauctions.co.uk or submit an Online Valuation