Description:

A STEEL BEGGAR’S BOWL (KASHKUL), QAJAR IRAN, 19TH CENTURY
Qajar Iran, 19th century

Description:
A finely engraved steel kashkul of boat-shaped form, with pronounced zoomorphic terminals in the shape of dragon heads, possibly evoking protective symbolism. The body is richly decorated with a scrolling vegetal arabesque ground and a prominent nastaʿlīq inscription band running along the upper rim, likely drawn from Shiʿi devotional or poetic texts. The engraved detailing is crisp and evenly executed, showcasing the technical sophistication of Qajar-period metalworkers. This vessel was traditionally used by dervishes to receive alms, but its ornate craftsmanship suggests it may have served a more courtly or ceremonial function.

Dimensions: Length: 42cm

Comparable examples:

  • A similar Qajar steel kashkul engraved with inscriptions sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 1 May 2019, Lot 177, for £9,375.

  • Another steel kashkul with figural decoration and comparable zoomorphic terminals achieved £10,625 at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 25 October 2018, Lot 128.

  • A Qajar inscribed steel beggar’s bowl, 19th century, sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 14 June 2022, Lot 80, for £8,925.

Note:
Kashkuls were central to the visual and ritual identity of dervishes in the Sufi tradition, symbolising asceticism and spiritual devotion. The fusion of form and inscription in this example reflects both its practical and symbolic dimensions, with the dragon-head motifs further linking it to broader Iranian artistic traditions.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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£100 £199 £10
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£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
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