A GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL EWER WITH CALLIGRAPHY
Qajar Iran, late 19th - early 20th century

Of compressed pyriform shape, resting on a short splayed foot, rising to a tall, tapering, ringed neck, with a sinuous dragon handle on one side and a tall curved spout on the latter, surmounted by a dome-shaped hinged lid with faceted spiky finial, the exterior fully decorated in gold-damascening with vegetal motifs, beaded and fretwork bands, and a large cusped cartouche of bold nasta'liq calligraphy on each side, 39.5cm high.

Inscription: This ewer filled with gold and gems is worthy of the presence of the Lord of the Land.