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ID #SA1175072
FOR SALE
£3,500
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Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze Ab-zan of Kerman–yazd Tradition
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €4,095     $4,445
£3,500
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Id #SA1175072
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Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze Ab-zan of Kerman–yazd Tradition

18th century
Description

A magnificent engraved bronze ritual vessel (ab-zan) dating to the second half of the 18th century.

Entirely hand-hammered from a single bronze sheet and engraved line by line with a steel burin, it represents the height of Persian craftsmanship of the late Safavid–early Qajar period.

The vessel is covered with fine V-cut engraving depicting arabesques, lozenges, wave bands, and rosettes — each individually drawn on cold metal without mechanical aid. Under magnification, the irregular rhythm and micro-hatching confirm authentic 18th-century handwork.

This was a ceremonial water vessel (ab-zan) for ritual purification, associated with the Kerman–Yazd region. Comparable examples are preserved in the British Museum (OA 1889.12-15.3) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (M.68-1913).

Measurements

Height (body): 36 cm

Height (with raised handle): 54 cm

Rim diameter: 27 cm

Base diameter: 34 cm

Weight: 5.2 kg

Condition

Outstanding integrity: no cracks, no restoration, deeply preserved engraving, and a noble patina consistent with age.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

Physical Dimensions
Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
27cm (10.63")
Depth
34cm (13.39")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Persian Bronze Ritual Vessel to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1175072
Dealers Internal Reference
B1452
Description
A magnificent engraved bronze ritual vessel (ab-zan) dating to the second half of the 18th century.
“
Entirely hand-hammered from a single bronze sheet and engraved line by line with a steel burin, it represents the height of Persian craftsmanship of the late Safavid–early Qajar period.
Gillers Antiques Ltd
fig 1. An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.
fig 1. Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze Ab-zan of Kerman–yazd Tradition

The vessel is covered with fine V-cut engraving depicting arabesques, lozenges, wave bands, and rosettes — each individually drawn on cold metal without mechanical aid. Under magnification, the irregular rhythm and micro-hatching confirm authentic 18th-century handwork.

fig 2. An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.
fig 2. Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze Ab-zan of Kerman–yazd Tradition

This was a ceremonial water vessel (ab-zan) for ritual purification, associated with the Kerman–Yazd region. Comparable examples are preserved in the British Museum (OA 1889.12-15.3) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (M.68-1913).

fig 3. An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.
fig 3. Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze Ab-zan of Kerman–yazd Tradition

Measurements

Height (body): 36 cm

Height (with raised handle): 54 cm

Rim diameter: 27 cm

Base diameter: 34 cm

Weight: 5.2 kg

Condition

Outstanding integrity: no cracks, no restoration, deeply preserved engraving, and a noble patina consistent with age.

fig 4. An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.
fig 4. Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze Ab-zan of Kerman–yazd Tradition

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
27cm (10.63")
Depth
34cm (13.39")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Persian Bronze Ritual Vessel to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1175072
Dealers Internal Ref
B1452
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.
1 / 19
Archive I An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.

Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze Ab-zan of Kerman–yazd Tradition

Archive II An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View II
Archive III An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XII
Archive XIII An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XIII
Archive XIV An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XIV
Archive XV An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XV
Archive XVI An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XVI
Archive XVII An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XVII
Archive XVIII An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XVIII
Archive XIX An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle. View XIX
Enlarged Archival View
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
564
An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.
Ritual Vessel, Persia, 18th Century – Engraved Bronze ab-zan of Kerman–Yazd Tradition
Ref: SA1175072
An 18th-century Persian engraved bronze ritual vessel featuring repeating boteh patterns, a flared upper rim, and a curved metal swing handle.
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FAQs

An ab-zan is a traditional Persian metal vessel historically crafted for holding water during bathhouse functions and ritual ablutions, notably produced in regional metalworking centres such as Kerman and Yazd.

These vessels were typically hand-hammered from bronze or copper, often receiving a tinning treatment over the surface before being detailed with hand-engraved surface patterns, floral elements, and geometric borders.

Authentic period examples exhibit irregular hand-hammered proportions, subtle surface wear to the outer tin coating, heavy forged handles, and traditional iconography such as repeating boteh or paisley motifs.

A historical metal vessel can be displayed as a decorative accent on a sideboard, bookshelf, or fireplace mantel, providing textural contrast and cultural context within contemporary or traditional rooms.

Maintain historical metalwork by dusting with a soft, dry lint-free cloth, keeping the item free from excess moisture, and avoiding abrasive polishes or harsh chemical treatments that strip original patination.
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