Lot 269: A PERSIAN QAJAR MIXED METAL AND QALYAN WATER PIPE BASE, 19TH CENTURY

An antique Persian Qajar style qalyan or water pipe base, dating to the 19th century. The piece is constructed from cast and turned brass components with a central body section featuring a dark, textured material identified as coconut shell. The vessel is of an elongated conical form, tapering to a tiered terminal at the base. The upper shoulder is decorated with a row of applied silvered metal acanthus style leaf ornaments. Two wide horizontal bands of repoussé and chased floral scrollwork encircle the body. A distinctive central frieze consists of vertical openwork silvered struts with stylised fleur-de-lis terminals, revealing the dark shell beneath. The tall, tiered neck is interspersed with wooden spacer rings and features a protruding diagonal spout with a silvered rim. The lower conical section is embellished with applied floral bosses and fine incised geometric and foliate patterns. No maker marks, hallmarks, or inscriptions were observed.

H: 41cm