Lot 62B
Central Asia, Persia, Qajar Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A vivid testament to the storytelling spirit of 19th-century Iran, this hand-thrown Qajar pottery jar brims with color, courtly elegance, and painterly charm. Its tapering form, crowned with a narrow upright rim and asymmetric twin lug handles, speaks not to imperfection but to the authenticity of the potter's hand and the freedom of Persian artisans working outside rigid symmetry. Encircling the body are three oval portrait panels, each portraying a nobleman in jeweled headdress and colorful garb, seated in meditative poise. These figural vignettes are flanked by trailing floral vines and clusters of fruit, evoking themes of beauty, abundance, and poetic reverie beloved in Persian art. Between the cartouches, cheerful birds perch among blossoms, their plumage rendered in tones of cobalt, marigold, violet, and green. A deep blue meander border wraps the shoulder, anchoring the decoration in classical elegance. Size: 4.8" Diameter x 10.5" H (12.2 cm x 26.7 cm)
The vibrant palette, over a white ground and sealed in a glossy transparent glaze, typifies Qajar ceramic traditions that borrowed freely from miniature painting and tilework. The jar's surface bears a delightful unevenness - small warps, brushstrokes, and painterly hesitations - that affirm its handmade nature and distinguish it from later, industrially produced wares. Though its exact function is uncertain, jars of this type were often made for decorative display or used to hold dry goods, perfumed water, or even rosewater in elite domestic settings. Today, it stands as a lively artifact of a dynasty that reveled in visual richness and romantic nostalgia.
Provenance: private Fort Collins, Colorado, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#196235
- Condition: A few minor nicks and chips, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with nice craquelure to glaze.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |