A Zand Or Early Qajar Dynasty Pair Of Finely Engraved Brass Torch Stands (Mash’al), Probably Shiraz Or Isfahan, Iran, Circa 18th – Early 19th Century.

Identification Number: 387
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Description

The torch stands are finely engraved decorated with various bands and scenes from the Persian traditions and mythology.

The torch stands are overall decorated with a row of oval cartouches depicting different realistic and mythical scenes, such as a large scene of a lion attacking a dragon at the base of the bowl, a man attacking a lion, a man handling a large snake, a man attacking a genie (jinni), a giant python snake swallowing a mans head while another man is trying to attack the snake to rescue the victim, a seated crowned prince, and various scenes of grotesque and curious depiction of human figures, genies (jinns), spirits, demons and monsters.

The torch bases and top and base edgings are beautifully and lavishly engraved with beautiful arabesques and designs that normally can be found on tile work on mosque domes and minarets.

Condition: Excellent.

Dimensions:

34 cm high.
Dimensions of the base 19 cm.
Dimensions of the top 9.5 cm.

References:-

For other related items please see the following

Please see the V&A Museum, London, UK. Lot No. 536-1876.

A similar bowl is exhibited at the Jameel Gallery at the V&A Museum.

For another example please see Persian lost treasures by Vladimir Loukonine & Anatoli Ivanov, lot 279, page 238.

For other examples, please see the two covered vessels exhibited at the Islamic Gallery at the British Museum, Henderson Bequest, OA 78 12-30 741 & 742.