Table Carafe, "doltcha" Tinned Copper, Decorated With Botehs, Iranian Azerbaijan, 19th Century

"Doltcha," a large tin-plated copper table carafe from the 19th century, originating from Persia, specifically Iranian Azerbaijan. These carafes contained appetizing or medicinal drinks such as "iskenjebi" or "sherbet." These drinks are an integral part of Azerbaijani culinary art. It is richly decorated with friezes of small mandorlas enclosing stylized flowers, followed by eight calligraphic cartouches on the neck, and twelve prominent, highly decorated botehs on the body. Note the presence of small botehs inside. A wide bronze S-shaped handle is securely held by four hammered fittings. The boteh (Persian: بته), or buta, is an ornamental motif in the shape of an almond or pine cone with a curved upper end. Although of Persian origin, it is also found in India, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and in from other countries in the Near East. Through Kashmiri shawls, it spread extensively in Europe. Some historians believe the boteh is a fusion of a stylized floral sheaf and a cypress tree: a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. The "bent" cedar tree signifies strength and resilience, but also modesty. The floral motif originated with the Sasanian and later the Safavid dynasties of Persia (1501-1736). It was a major textile motif in Iran during the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties. (Carpet and cashmere) At that time, the motif was used to decorate royal insignia, crowns, and court garments, as well as textiles used by the general population. The fineness of the engravings demonstrates the dexterity of Persian engravers. These marvelous tinned copper pieces were, under the Safavid and Qajar dynasties, a prominent alternative to silver and enjoyed the same status. These objects certainly served as centerpieces in Persian homes. A magnificent artifact of 19th-century Persian art, our intricately crafted piece is destined to become a centerpiece of any fine collection. Dimensions: Height: 30.5 cm (12") -- Width: 22 cm (9") -- Diameter: 16 cm (6.5") -- Weight: 1754 grams. FREE SHIPPING WITHIN FRANCE, as with all our items!!! FR €0 / EUR €25 / WORLDWIDE €50 - For any inquiries, please feel free to contact me at +33 6 13 36 09 30 or winsteinprovence@gmail.com. On our website, you will find a wide selection of Persian, Anatolian, and Caucasian rugs, as well as a beautiful collection of antique objects from elsewhere. www.winsteinprovence.com (Texts, photos, Winstein, all rights reserved)