A PAIR OF OPENWORK ZAND-STYLE QAJAR BRASS LIDDED INCENSE BURNERS
Qajar Iran, late 19th century

Each of globular shape, with gently tapering sides rising from a short splayed foot, surmounted by domed lids terminating in bud-like finials, crafted from brass with meticulous openwork, each vessel engraved with detailed figural, floral, and geometric motifs characteristic of Qajar aesthetics harking back at the Zand period, the lids finely pierced and engraved with alternating figural and calligraphic cartouches depicting mythical and real figures set amidst interwoven floral arabesques, interspersed with elegant calligraphic cartouches featuring stylised thuluth script, resting above a narrow beaded band, the bowls decorated with continuous narrative friezes depicting seated courtiers and musicians, each figure set within an arched niche amidst foliate patterns, above stylised scrolling motifs and below a foot with finely triangular fretwork.

Each 22cm diam. and 27.8cm high

This pair of incense burners exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and decorative vocabulary characteristic of Qajar Iran, heavily influenced by earlier Zand-period aesthetics known for their opulence and artistic exuberance. The openwork technique (ajouré) demonstrated here was highly favoured in Persian metalware, valued both for its delicate beauty and practical use in allowing the fragrance and smoke of incense to permeate effectively.