Very Fine Enameled Hooka Head – Qajar Period

Not exactly a weapon but an excellent example of enameled work in Persia.

Enameling of metal artifact is an ancient decoration technique in the east since early times. Especially Iran did show for many centuries special passion for the saturated but lucent colors that the enamel medium affords.

Enameling decoration In the Qajar period was applied to almost all artifacts of decorative arts.  Furthermore it was in this period that European arts and styles greatly influenced Persian arts. Human figures start to appear on decorative items and also in less common cases erotic scenes.

The Hooka (Nargila) head offered here is a wonderful example. Copper based,  densely covered with human figures in erotic scenes in vivid colors of  blue, red, yellow and  green. Mounted on finely carved wooden base.

Total  height 6 inches. Very good plus condition. Very minor wood chips.

For more details on enameling technique in Iran see: ” A Survey of Persian Art”. Volume III, Page 2586. Oxford University Press 1939.

Price: On Request