Iraqi Niello

[bigjarofwasps]

The box incorporates quality designs typical of Iraqi silversmiths, ie important local mosques and scenes from the river Tigris and the Shatt-al-Arab waterway.

Iraqi silversmiths were usually Mandean Christian. They typically employed nielloed designs and are acknowledged to have been very skilled. These Silversmiths were based mainly in Baghdad, Basra and around Maysan province which is in the southern marshes.

In recent years the number of Mandean Christians in Iraq has fallen dramatically and partly as a result of this, nielloed Iraqi silver has become very collectable and pricey.

This box seems to date from the 1920's and it exudes atmosphere.

[bigjarofwasps]

Solid silver nielloed Box or compact made in Maysan province of southern Iraq by Marsh Arabs.

On one side is a type of boat that used to be a typical sight on the Tigris river and the southern marshes near to the border with Iran.

On the other side there is a picture of a man riding a camel.

[bigjarofwasps]

The case incorporates quality nielloed designs typical of Iraqi silversmiths, ie important local mosques and scenes from the river Tigris and the Shatt-al-Arab waterway.

Inscription inside - Abadan December 1936. Abadan was (and still is) an oil terminal and port just on the Iranian side of the shatt al arab.

[bigjarofwasps]

A 1930`s Iraqi niello solid silver cigarette / cigar / card case.

[bigjarofwasps]

Inscribed by hand with the name C Watts, Baghdad 1917 18 19. This is a time when the British army was stationed in present day Iraq.

The coin on the lid of the box is an Ottoman coin dated 1327 which corresponds to 1909.

[Guest IMHF]

Inscribed by hand with the name C Watts, Baghdad 1917 18 19. This is a time when the British army was stationed in present day Iraq.

The coin on the lid of the box is an Ottoman coin dated 1327 which corresponds to 1909.

I like this one, the coin in the center brings out the work in the piece. Thank you for sharing your Items.

SSG Luna, Lorenzo

Edited July 23, 2009 by IMHF