Lot 266: A PAIR OF PERSIAN QAJAR STYLE DAMASCENED STEEL FIGURES OF DEER, 20TH CENTURY

A pair of decorative metal figures of deer or gazelles, rendered in the Persian Qajar tradition. The figures are constructed from dark patinated steel or iron and are decorated throughout with intricate damascening, also known as koftgari work. This technique involves the inlaying of fine silver and gold-toned wire into the surface of the base metal to create dense, overlapping patterns of scrolling foliage, arabesques, and floral motifs. Each figure features an elongated neck, slender tapering limbs, and spiralling, twisted horns. The neck of one figure bears a calligraphic inscription or workshop mark above the eye, possibly representing a signature or numerals.

H: 30cm