Description
SOLD: UNIQUE Persian influence copper chalice or cup by Elkington & Co for Shah of Persia 1889
Attributed to Christopher Dresser
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a significant and important piece of history!
We are proud to offer this exquisite chalice or footed cup that is covered with Persian design and motifs and may at first appear to be of Persian origin but is actually manufactured in Birmingham England by the famous Elkington factory.
Nasr ud Deen Shah, the Emperor of Persia was the first Shah to visit Europe. He visited Europe on several occasions and toured England visiting London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford between 1870-1890 mainly for improving trade relations.
We have also recently acquired a selection of silver plated flatware manufactured by James Dixon & Company that was shown to the Shah of Persia when he visited the factory in Sheffield in 1873.
Nasr ud Deen Shah visited the Elkington factory on August 3rd 1889 as shown in the image above taken from the London Illustrated News. The page shown above depicts seven scenes from that visit and if you observe closely you can see the vignette numbered ‘5’, bottom-centre of the page, in an oval shape, the text for that scene reads:
“Dipping a Two-Shilling piece at Messrs Elkington’s”
If you observe even closer, you can see several items on display behind the dipping vat.
There is a large ewer at the back, with some type of tureen or bowl with a cover. Next to the tureen is the outline of a cup which looks remarkably similar to the one we are offering.
The cup itself has been hand made and is beaten copper with beautiful nastaliq calligraphy in three panels. Every inch is covered with intricate hand beaten patterns of geometric and vegetal type designs.
The inscriptions are on three reserve panels separated by roundels and lozenge shaped panels containing floral designs. The foot is also decorated with four roundels and a band of floral designs. Even the underside of the bowl is covered in detailed patterns.
And if that did not convince you that this is a piece of the highest quality, the upper rim has been folded over and it has also been delightfully covered in elegant nastaliq calligraphy.
On the underside is an oval shaped medallion which reads:
“Elkingtons Science and Art Department” with the VR for Queen Victoria (“Victoria Regina”) under a crown with shamrock (representing Ireland), rose (representing England) and a thistle (representing Scotland). If you look very closely there is also a four digit inventory or register mark on the rim of the foot.
This exquisite work of art stands just 12cm in height with an upper diameter of 13.5cm.
It is overall in amazing condition with minor blemishes and wear & tear.
Prices are negotiable within reason so please contact us if you wish to discuss an item that is of interest.
If you purchase more than one item, we will offer a discount and combine shipping.
Shipping will be at cost and the buyer is responsible for any import/export fees or taxes.
We only ship using tracked services that require a signature on delivery.
Viewing is strictly by appointment and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required as no items are stored on site.
All of our Islamic Art is guaranteed to be genuine and as described.
We also further guarantee that our artefacts are legitimately sourced.