* A QAJAR SILVER QALYAN BOTTLE WITH ACHAEMENID-REVIVAL MOTIFS PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE EUROPEAN COLLECTOR Iran, 19th century Of typical inverted pyriform shape, with a thin tapering base rising to a globular body, with a cylindrical neck and everted circular mouth, a small cylindrical spout on the shoulder, the solid silver body decorated with five oval medallions filled with repoussé figurines of Achaemenid kings fighting mythical creatures, receiving gifts from foreign ambassadors and ruling justly under the supervision of the Zoroastrian God Ahura Mazda, near the base an old inventory sticker from a Christie's sale, 869gr. weight, 27.3cm high. Provenance: Christie's London, 28 April 1998, lot 377. (27.3cm high)