Lot Essay
The form of the present bottle is very similar to that of 17th century pottery vessels, especially those attributed to the reign of Shah 'Abbas II by Yolande Crowe (Persia and China, Safavid Blue and White Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1501-1738, London, 2002, esp. nos.226-241, pp.148-153). The visual separation of the top of this flask from the design on the rest of the body, combined with the constricted mouth, are both very reminiscent of the qalian bodies among the above vessels. The period of Shah 'Abbas II (1642-1666 AD) thus seems the most probable date of manufacture.
A very similar bottle was sold in these Rooms, 10 October 2006, lot 27. Whereas that example had rosettes of silver sheet at the top and bottom of the bottle, the bottle offered here is instead decorated with bands of engraving.
A very similar bottle was sold in these Rooms, 10 October 2006, lot 27. Whereas that example had rosettes of silver sheet at the top and bottom of the bottle, the bottle offered here is instead decorated with bands of engraving.