A Safavid tinned copper Kettle, Persia, 17th/18th Century

of globular form on a short foot, with an arched handle attached to the shoulder, the spout terminating in a stylised dragon's head, the shoulder with an engraved band of foliated arabesques and split-palmettes, a similar pattern repeated on the narrow band to the lower half of the body with hanging escutcheon-shaped motifs towards the foot, the cover probably a replacement engraved with a band of leafy scrolls 

In overall good condition, intact, spout slightly loose, some rubbing and patination across surface and minor uneveness consistent with age, 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."

The shape of the kettle is strikingly unique, particularly when compared with the better-known Safavid drop-shaped kettles such as the one in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no.458-1876) published in Melikian-Chirvani 1982, no.147, pp.322-326. Yet it shares many stylistic characteristics with the engraved designs on such kettles and even torch-stands, bowls and ewers of the same period, notably, the use of bands of scrolling foliage, split-palmettes, arabesques and escutcheons.