Oriental Liquid Vessel Made Of Engraved And Nielled Silver

Eastern Anatolia, the Ottoman Caucasus, or Iran

Late 18th – first half of the 19th century, circa 1780–1840

Silver or high-silver alloy

Dimensions: 18.5 × 10 cm | Thickness: 33 mm | Weight: 250 g

A portable flask for liquids, intended to hold alcohol or oil, with a highly flattened pear-shaped form, made of silver or a high-silver alloy. Its particularly slim thickness of 33 mm allowed it to be carried comfortably against the body.

Both sides are entirely adorned with a design engraved with a chisel, set against a niello background. The composition, arranged symmetrically around a central axis, combines fleurons, palmettes, and plant scrolls arranged in coiling patterns. It is framed by several concentric borders composed of star-shaped friezes and geometric motifs.

The wide neck is fitted with a screw cap carved in the shape of a stylized feline head, also covered with finely engraved and nielloed decoration. Its antique screw thread is hand-cut. The absence of a narrow spout and a measuring device rules out its use as a powder flask. Two side rings allow the bottle to be hung and carried.

Very good overall condition. Very beautiful, uniform antique patina. The decoration is executed with remarkable finesse.