Persian Ceremonial Tray
Isfahan, Iran
A tray constructed along a central axis, the surface organised through concentric registers centred on an engraved medallion.
Description
A tight spiral is engraved at the centre, radiating from a small floral rosette. This is enclosed by a band of dense floral vegetal scrollwork, followed by a broad plain field free of engraving. A narrow twisted rope-form band marks the transition to an outer register of dense floral vine ornament with flowers and buds. A narrow beaded band separates this outer floral register from the rim. The rim is articulated in repeated lobed panels, each engraved with an individual bud motif, forming a segmented perimeter around the edge.
Surface is compact and stable. Tinning is retained across the engraved registers, worn away across the broad plain field, exposing the copper body beneath. Engraving remains intact.
Context
Trays of this type function within Persian domestic and ceremonial contexts.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Iran, 1968.
Details
- Title
- Persian Ceremonial Tray
- Culture
- Persian
- Origin
- Isfahan, Iran
- Date
- 19th century
- Dimensions
- D 72.5 cm (28.5 in)
- Medium
- Tinned copper, engraved
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Iran, 1968.
- Condition
- Tinning retained at engraved registers; copper exposed at plain field; engraving intact.
