A Magnificent Early Qajar Dynasty Finely Engraved Brass Water Ewer Pitcher And Basin (Aftabeh), Attributed To The Persian Metal Master Baqir Hakkak, Probably Isfahan, Iran, Circa 1800-1850 AD.

Identification Number: 386
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Description

This complete set is made for the most privileged individuals where the servants or the house attendants offer their services by bringing the washing facilities strait up to the individuals or guests while they are seated and resting in their divan or guest room mainly before and after having a meal.

The set is made with finely engraved 18th century Indian (Mughal Style) brass ewer and basin with removable and adjustable pierced top or lid where the ewer stands on.

Both ewer and basin with lid are overall decorated with bands and scenes of various shaped cartouches with stylised scrolls of floral and foliate motives.

A very fine and delicate bands of engraved and pierced openwork arabesque motif and palmette designs are decorating the basin lid to allow the water to go through and be accumulated in the basin during the hand washing process.

The washing set is decorated with a row of oval, lozenge or lobed cartouches, featuring different realistic and mythical scenes, such as a group of young men on the back of a ferocious dragon or monster, mythical genies carrying a howdah with two princesses, large scene of men attacking a dragon or a snake, men mounting a large dragon, man trying to save another man been attacked by a lion, and various animals such as lions and birds. Other mythical scenes include a lion attacking a huge snake.

There are also various scenes of grotesque and curious depictions of human figures, mythological creatures, monsters, genies (jinns), spirits, and demons.

Condition: very good.

Dimensions:

The Ewer: 30 cm high, width at largest point between spout and handle 27cm.
The Basin: 28.2cm diam. of top, 11.5cm diam. of base, height 13cm.

References:

For almost an identical water Ewer Pitcher please see Persian Lost Treasures by Vladimir Loukonine & Anatoli Ivanov, page 238, the ewer belongs to the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, inventory No. VS-556, The Ewer is signed by the Persian Master (عمل كمترين باقر حكاك) made by the most humble Baqir Hakkak).