Lot 254: A RARE QAJAR PERSIAN ENGRAVED COPPER ALLOY SUFI DRINKING CUP, 19TH CENTURY

A Qajar-period Persian Sufi drinking cup of shallow oval form, constructed from copper alloy with a dark aged patina. The interior and rim are densely decorated with fine engraving and chasing. The decorative programme comprises multiple registers of Perso-Arabic calligraphy in nasta’liq script, including an eight-line vertical inscription set within a central lobed cartouche, interspersed with classical islimi floral arabesque scrolling motifs. Two interlaced arabesque medallions are positioned at either end of the oval basin. The vessel is supported by three small integral block feet. A single circular plug is visible at the centre of the well, and a single aperture is pierced through the wide, flat rim flange at one end. While the surface is covered in extensive calligraphic text, no maker’s name or date is legible within the script from the provided images.

16.5 by 10.5cm.