Lot 210: A GROUP OF QAJAR TURQUOISE AND STONE-INLAID GILT-BRASS GHALIAN CUPS, PERSIA, 19TH CENTURY

A GROUP OF QAJAR TURQUOISE AND STONE-INLAID GILT-BRASS GHALIAN CUPS, PERSIA, 19TH CENTURY

A group of four Qajar ghalian (hookah) cups crafted from gilt-brass and elaborately decorated with inset turquoise-coloured cabochons and small red and green stones, likely garnets or glass. These flared, cylindrical vessels were originally designed as components for a water pipe, though one example in this collection has been adapted with a domed red velvet insert to serve as a pincushion. The decoration across the group features various traditional Persian motifs. One vessel displays a diagonal lattice pattern formed by wirework with stones at the intersections. A second cup is densely covered in scrolling rows of turquoise beads with central floral medallions in red and green. A third example features scalloped borders containing floral sprays, while the fourth shows more of the original gilt-brass surface with fine engraving and buteh (paisley) motifs. The stones are set into raised collars over chased and engraved metal grounds. 

H: 7cm each