Bidspirit auction | A QAJAR ENAMELED AND GILT

A QAJAR ENAMELED AND GILT COBALT-BLUE GLASS HOOKAH BASE (QALYAN) DEPICTING SHAHANSHAH NASER AL-DIN SHAH, IRAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY - Of cylindrical form with flared rim and recessed neck, executed in deep cobalt-blue glass, finely decorated with opaque enamel painting and gilt. The principal face centered with an oval portrait medallion depicting Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, shown wearing a tall black kolah hat with plume and a military-style uniform richly adorned with orders and sash, rendered in a refined miniature manner under clear glass. The reverse is decorated with stylized vegetal scrolls and foliate motifs in white enamel and gold, framed by gilt strapwork and geometric lattice patterns. The shoulder and lower body are encircled by bands of white enamel dot decoration. The form, proportions, and flared mouth are characteristic of late Qajar-period hookah bases intended to receive the stem assembly, while the palette, technique, and royal iconography reflect elite court production of the later 19th century, combining Persian decorative traditions with European-influenced portrait conventions. Dimensions: H: 6 in., (15.2 cm.) Conditions: Very good overall condition. Minor rubbing and thinning to gilt decoration. Light surface wear and small manufacturing imperfections in the glass. No cracks or restoration. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided.