Persian Silver Enamel Ovoid Vase with Floral Repoussé and Cobalt Vitreous Ground
Hollowware (Decorative Vase) · Likely Isfahan or Shiraz workshop origin; these centers in Iran were renowned for high-grade silver overlaid with intricate hand-chasing and enameling since the late 19th century.
Pattern: Traditional Persian 'Gol-o-Morgh' (Flower and Bird) or Arabesque-influenced floral patterns. Not a mass-produced collection, but a workshop-specific design.
Type
Hollowware (Decorative Vase)
Maker
Likely Isfahan or Shiraz workshop origin; these centers in Iran were renowned for high-grade silver overlaid with intricate hand-chasing and enameling since the late 19th century.
Material
Likely high-purity Persian silver (typically .840 to .900 fineness), featuring gold vermeil (wash) over silver on the embossed areas, with glass-based vitreous enamel (cobalt blue and opaque white).
Dimensions
Estimated 20-30 cm in height; weight likely between 400g and 800g depending on silver gauge and enamel thickness. This appears to be a medium-sized presentation vase.
Description
An exquisite example of Persian silversmithing, this vase features a central frieze of gold-washed repoussé flowers nestled against a rich cobalt blue enamel. The neck and foot are further accented with diamond-shaped white enamel motifs, creating a regal contrast between the precious metal and the głazed surfaces.
Key Features
The 'two-tone' effect of gold vermeil against silver and blue enamel; the use of geometric diamond patterns alongside organic floral scrolls; meticulously hand-beaded borders at the enamel margins.
Material & Composition
Likely high-purity Persian silver (typically .840 to .900 fineness), featuring gold vermeil (wash) over silver on the embossed areas, with glass-based vitreous enamel (cobalt blue and opaque white).
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé floral banding with hand-chasing. Gold-gilt (vermeil) finish on the central band. Champlevé or painted enamel technique used for the cobalt background and white geometric/flower accents.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically found on the underside base or inner rim. Expect a Persian 84 mark (representing 84 zolotniks or 87.5% purity) or a maker's cartouche in Farsi. Often includes a town mark or an '84' stamp.
Construction Details
Hand-raised silver body that has been hand-chased and embossed from the interior and exterior. Enamel involves firing glass powder into recessed areas.
Functional Features
Ovoid body with a flared neck; essentially decorative, though capable of holding water/flowers if the interior is untarnished and properly sealed.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present on this ovoid form, which focuses on the continuous decorative band around the diameter.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional hand-repoussé work. The bead-work at the transition points between silver and enamel shows a high level of workshop precision, indicating a master craftsman's hand.
Authentication Indicators
Consistency of the hand-chasing (irregularities that prove hand-work vs. machine casting); the specific 'crack' or texture in older enamel; the presence of a Farsi signature or numeric silver purity stamp.
Origin & Manufacturing
Iran (formerly Persia). Isfahan was the primary center for this labor-intensive 'Ghalam-Zani' (metal engraving) and enameling technique.
Era & Period
Late Qajar to Early Pahlavi Dynasty (circa 1920-1950). The style bridges traditional Persian motifs with early 20th-century luxury craft standards.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s. The crispness of the enamel and the specific cobalt shade suggest mid-20th-century production when these pieces were popular export/gift items.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Iranian luxury metalwork, blending Islamic art's geometric precision with the lush floral motifs of Persian gardens (the 'paradise' garden concept).
Condition Notes
Very Good. The enamel appears largely intact with no visible major chips. The metal shows light surface tarnish consistent with age. Gold wash on the raised relief shows minor evidence of thinning from past polishing.
Value Estimate
$1,500 - $3,500 USD. Value depends significantly on the weight of the silver and the absence of cracks in the enamel, which are difficult to repair.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical 'dips' which can destroy enamel and gold wash. Clean only with a soft damp cloth or professional silver-safe foam on exposed silver areas. Handle with gloves to prevent acidity from skin oils from dulling the gilding.
Similar Pieces
Russian Enameled Silver (often more colorful/cloisonné-style); Japanese Shibayama (inlaid work); or Indian Kutch silver (rarely features enamel, focuses mostly on high-relief chasing).
Interesting Facts
Persian silver of this style was frequently used as diplomatic gifts. The blue color is derived from cobalt oxides, a technique used in Persian pottery for centuries before being adapted to metalwork.