Lot 180: A QAJAR ENGRAVED GILDDED COPPER EWER, PERSIA, 19TH CENTURY

The piece features a globular body mounted on a flared pedestal base, a high-arched handle with a rectangular thumb rest, and a curved spout terminating in a dragon head. The central decorative register consists of arched medallions containing courtly figures engaged in musical performance or holding drinking vessels. The surrounding surfaces, including the conical lid, foot, and spout, are covered in dense foliate and floral scrolling patterns. The design is executed using the niello technique, where a black metallic inlay is placed into engraved recesses to provide a sharp contrast against the gilded silver ground. The rim of the lid and the exterior spine of the handle are set with a series of turquoise cabochons. A rectangular engraved panel is visible on the top of the handle thumb rest, featuring a central device consisting of a horizontal line crossed by three vertical strokes, flanked by foliate motifs.