AIGUIERE AFTABEH and its BASIN FOR A SOAP DISH, Near East, early 20th century Set in copper alloy. The ewer has a pear-shaped body set on a high pedestal and topped by a cylindrical neck marked with a ring, then flared and topped by a domed lid with a four-lobed handle. The body is marked with two almond-shaped medallions treated with repoussé, and flanked by a sinuous spout and handle, the first finished with a fleuron, the second with a feline head and a makara head. The basin has a curved body surmounted by a wide flat wing with a scalloped edge and closed in the centre by an openwork soap dish with a bulbous central handle. The whole is engraved with plant scrolls in several registers, punctuated with epigraphic cartouches in Thuluth Arabic. Height of ewer: 50 cm, diameter of basin: 33 cm. Lid hinge damaged, traces of oxidation. Expert in Islamic and Indian Art: Madame Camille CELIER - 9 rue de Montalembert - 75007 Paris - Tel: 01 45 62 27 76 - camille.celier@gmail.com