*AN ENGRAVED SILVER MINIATURE POETRY BOOK HOLDER PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION Iran, 19th - early 20th century Of rectangular shape, following the design of a bound book, every side finely engraved with poetic verses of robayat in masnavi format in nasta'liq script, the front and back covers decorated with intricate arabesques, interlocking split palmette tendrils, birds amidst rosettes and large lobed medallions with lovers in a garden caught in a tender embrace and merrily drinking, the spine with medallions with two hares and stylised lotus flowers, stamped to the lid 'Alaqeh Mandan', 7cm x 5.8cm x 2.2cm. (7cm x 5.8cm x 2.2cm)