Object Description
Antique Persian silver ewer
Persian, Early 20th Century
Height 30cm, width 23cm, depth 12cm
Weight 898g
This exquisite Persian silver ewer, dating to the early 20th century, is a remarkable example of traditional metalwork designed for both ceremonial and decorative purposes. Its finely engraved surface and elegant silhouette highlight the skill of Persian silversmiths, offering a piece that is as visually striking as it is historically significant.
Silver has held a central place in Persian artistry for centuries, prized not only for its intrinsic value but also for its adaptability to intricate surface decoration. Ewers of this type have long been associated with Persian courtly ritual, hospitality, and the serving of water or wine. By the turn of the 20th century, such vessels were often commissioned as prestigious objects, reflecting historic Safavid and Islamic design while appealing to discerning collectors both within Iran and abroad.
The ewer presents a bulbous body set upon a stepped circular foot, rising to a tall, tapering neck topped by a hinged domed lid. A gracefully curved spout and elegantly arched handle complete the form, giving it a balanced and harmonious outline. The surface is densely engraved with scrolling foliage, floral roundels, and geometric borders, organised into well-defined panels. Its decorative motifs draw on classical Persian and Islamic patterns, emphasising symmetry, repetition, and delicate linear detailing—hallmarks of fine Persian silverwork.
Beyond the ewer’s practical origins, it serves as a powerful decorative object, offering a tangible connection to Persia’s rich cultural heritage and centuries-old tradition of masterful metalwork.
The silver weighs approximately 898 grams.