A Safavid Brass Ewer (aftabe) with Dragon-Head Spout, Persia, Shah Abbas period, late 16th/17th century

of baluster form with a pear-shaped body resting on a raised splayed foot, with a serpentine spout terminating in a stylised dragon-head mouth, the long neck with a central bulbous ring and surmounted by a flaring mouth with thin engraved rings on the interior

This item is in good condition. Minor nicks and scratches throughout, especially to the bulbous body, rim and foot. Minor marks of darkening throughout. As viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A comparable example of similar form is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum and is illlustrated in A.S. Melikian-Chirvani, Islamic Metalwork from the Iranian World: 8-18th centuries, London, 1982, p.316, no.142. Melikian-Chirvani writes: "With its rather heavy body and very slender elongated neck terminated in a trumpet-like opening, the ewer is typical of the Shah Abbas period."

However, a further example, of very similar proportions and displaying minimal incised decoration, has been attributed to North India by Zebrowski (published in Zebrowski 1997, p.150, no.197). The inclusion of a comparable plain aftab in a Deccani miniature depicting Lord Krishna Enthroned and Adored, circa 1650, included in the Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Part Two: Arts of India, further supports India as a place of origin (for an illustration of this painting, see the sale advertisement in the back of this catalogue).