Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

Persian Qajar Antique Minakari Enamel Metal Ewer Basin

$30,345.61
£22,000
€25,882.22
CA$41,993.77
A$46,735.63
CHF 24,331.68
MX$564,382.78
NOK 305,141.77
SEK 288,225.61
DKK 193,271.17

About the Item

Persian Qajar Antique Minakari Enamel Metal Ewer Basin Persian, Late 19th Century Ewer: Height 45cm, width 17cm, depth 14cm Basin: Height 10cm, diameter 24cm Dating from the Qajar dynasty in Persia (1789–1925), this exceptional ewer and basin are decorated in the renowned Persian art of minakari, or enamelling. The process involved layering finely ground coloured glass onto a metal surface—most often copper, silver, or gold—and firing it in a kiln until the enamel fused into a glossy, durable finish. Once set, the surface became a canvas for delicate painted decoration. Artisans of the period favoured vibrant tones such as cobalt blue, turquoise, red, green, and white, and embellished their works with scrolling arabesques, flowers, birds, animals, and even miniature portraits inspired by manuscript illustration and European influence. This distinctive fusion of tradition and artistry remains one of the hallmarks of Qajar design. The Mayfair Gallery example demonstrates this craft at its most refined. The ewer and basin are richly ornamented with shaped cartouches containing detailed figurative scenes: individuals are shown reading, playing music, and engaged in daily activities, while other panels depict animals in naturalistic settings. Historically, pieces of this kind served both decorative and practical purposes, often used for pouring wine or ritual handwashing during banquets. With their jewel-like colours, superb craftsmanship, and intricate storytelling, this ewer and basin stand as an outstanding testament to Persian enamelwork and would make an exceptional addition to any serious collection of Islamic or Qajar-period antiques.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 180411stDibs: LU956346374212

More From This Seller

View All
18th Century Turkish Tombak Ewer and Basin
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ewer and basin set is a delightful product of the 18th century Ottoman Empire, with a striking design aesthetic. It is made from 'tombak'...
Category

Antique 18th Century Turkish Pitchers

Materials

Copper

18th Century Turkish Tombak Ewer and Basin
$30,897 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Large Cloisonné Enamel and Silver Kovsh
Located in London, GB
Large cloisonné enamel and silver kovsh Russian, 20th Century Height 20cm, width 25cm, depth 19cm A symbol of Russian culture, a kovsh is a traditional drinking vessel, often used ...
Category

20th Century Russian Tableware

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Chinese Floral Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase for Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Floral Cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase for Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 21cm, diameter 24cm This beautifu...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Chinese Floral Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase for Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese floral Cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase for Islamic Market. Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 20cm, diameter 23cm This beaut...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Ormolu and cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 18cm, diameter 25cm Crafted in China...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Chinese Bowl Adorned with Cloisonné Enamel and Arabic Inscriptions
Located in London, GB
Chinese bowl adorned with cloisonné enamel and Arabic inscriptions Chinese, early 20th century Measures: Height 20cm, diameter 23cm This beauti...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Metalwork

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

You May Also Like

Large Qajar and Enamelled Ghalian Section with Brass Hookah Base
Located in New York, NY
Large qajar and enamelled ghalian section with brass Hookah Base circa 1900, Persia The gold waisted body decorated with European scenes and portrait...
Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Gold, Brass

Antique Islamic Middle Eastern Qajar Persian Tinned Metal Ewer 19th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Islamic Middle Eastern Qajar Persian Tinned Metal Ewer 19th Century. Rare Museum quality Antique piece from the early 19th Century hand forged tinned metal pitcher with lid cover. Finely engraved and etched with flowers and birds design on the sides of the water jug or wine pot. Great antique patina. Circa 1800. Measurements: 17” height 10.5” length 4 1/2” width. Quality Museum Islamic Metalwork from a private Beverly Hills CA collection. Middle Eastern Asian Turkish Ottoman Antique...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Turkish Islamic Metalwork

Materials

Tin

Middle Eastern 20th Century Enamel Coffee Ewer
Located in Queens, NY
Middle Eastern (19/20th century) red and aqua enamel floral design ewer shaped pitcher or coffee urn.    
Category

20th Century Moorish Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Large Qajar and Enamelled Ghalian Section with Brass Hookah Base
Located in New York, NY
Large qajar and enamelled ghalian section with brass Hookah Base circa 1900, Persia The gold waisted body decorated with European scenes and portraits, each with dotted light blue ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Brass, Enamel

Antique Islamic Middle Eastern Qajar Persian Copper Ewer 19th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Islamic Middle Eastern Qajar Persian Copper Ewer 19th Century. Rare Museum quality Antique piece from the early 19th Century hand forged copper pitcher with lid cover. Great antique patina. Circa 1800. Measurements: 14” height 9.5” length 5” width. Quality Museum Islamic Metalwork from a private Beverly Hills CA collection. Middle Eastern Asian Turkish Ottoman Antique...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Unknown Islamic Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Antique Islamic Middle Eastern Qajar Persian Copper Ewer 19th Century Antique
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Islamic Middle Eastern Qajar Persian Copper Ewer 19th Century. Rare Museum quality Antique piece from the early 19th Century hand forged tinned copper pitcher with lid cover. Finely engraved and etched with Arabic writing calligraphy symbols on the sides of the water jug or wine pot. Great antique patina. Circa 1800. Measurements: 17” height 10.5” length 4 1/2” width. Quality Museum Islamic Metalwork from a private Beverly Hills CA collection. Middle Eastern Asian Turkish Ottoman Antique Islamic Moorish Style Metalwork ewer, pitcher with etched Islamic designs.Safavid Copper...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Turkmen Islamic Metalwork

Materials

Copper