Nasir Al Din Shah Qajar Appraisal

Persian Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar Cobalt Blue Glass Decanter

This is a tall, ornate decanter or rosewater sprinkler crafted from cobalt blue glass, heavily decorated with 24K gold gilt enamel. The piece features a bulbous body that tapers into a long, tiered neck, topped with a dramatic, sword-like elongated spire stopper. A central medallion on the body depicts a portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar, who ruled Persia in the 19th century. The surrounding surfaces are densely covered in intricate Persian motifs, including scrolling floral patterns (islimi), geometric latticework, and foliate borders. The gold application shows significant craftsmanship, utilizing both thick raised enamel and fine detailed linework. The glass is a deep, rich cobalt blue that appears translucent when backlit. In terms of condition, there is a prominent break and loss of glass at the upper neck section below the second gold ring, indicating a structural failure. There is also visible wear to the gold gilding on the high-relief rings of the neck and some light surface scratching on the base. This style of vessel, often referred to as 'Qajar glass,' was popularized in the late 19th to mid-20th century as commemorative or decorative ware, likely produced in Iran or by European glassmakers (such as Bohemian workshops) for the Persian market. Standing approximately 18-22 inches tall including the stopper, it represents a high level of decorative artistry despite the damage.