Lot 251: A PERSIAN ENGRAVED BRASS EWER AND BASIN SET, LATE 19TH CENTURY - EARLY 20TH CENTURY

An engraved brass ewer (aftaba) and matching basin (chilamchi) set, The set is constructed from a brass alloy and is decorated throughout with dense chasing and engraving. The ewer is of bulbous form, supported by a flared pedestal foot, and features a prominent arched handle surmounted by a hinged rectangular lid. The long, slender spout is octagonal at the base and terminates in a stylised zoomorphic head, resembling a deer or gazelle. The matching basin consists of a wide bowl with a broad rim featuring a scalloped and pierced edge. It includes a removable strainer with a central raised boss and fine openwork piercing. The decorative scheme is uniform across the ensemble, organised into horizontal registers. Motifs include calligraphic bands of Arabic script in thuluth style, which appear to contain religious or benedictory phrases.

Ewer: H: 33cm

Basin D: 38cm