IRAN, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A QAJAR DAMASCENED WATERED STEEL WATERMELON
IRAN, 19TH CENTURY
Of stylised form, with large oval fruit and short stalk with two wide cusped leaves and stems sprouting buds, the fruit decorated with vertical lines linking a medial band of gold damascened cusped cartouches, a similar medallion with pendants at each end, the leaves with etched veins and damascened medallions, the buds with small medallions
12¾in. (32.4cm.) maximum length

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. Please note that the lots of Iranian origin are subject to U.S. trade restrictions which currently prohibit the import into the United States. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries.

Lot Essay

It is particularly appropriate that this extremely finely decorated watermelon should be made of extremely finely forged watered steel, a material that is most unusual in the majority of Qajar fruit and animals.

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