Silver vases of bulbous form with rounded body raised on a fluted base, with long downward-tapered neck, engraved with a band of Islamic calligraphy beneath the rim and engraved with cartouches depicting figures playing musical instruments. There are undeciphered marks on bottoms. 19th Century. Interestingly, these vases are modeled after silverwork of the 15th century illustrated in Nasser Khalili's "Islamic Art and Culture" (2006).
A near life-size figure of a pigeon modeled in finished Damascus steel, with gold and silver decoration and wonderful detail. Pigeons (or doves) are important in Islamic legend, believed to have distracted Muhammad's enemies at the cave of Thaw'r in the great Hijara. Length appx 10", Height appx 9". Excellent condition. A rare and fine piece of late Qajar metalwork. Interestingly. a special breed of pigeon was developed in Turkey or Iran in the 17th century, characterized b ...click for details
