Coco de mer kashkûl alms bowl, Iran qâjâr, signed and dated 1860-61 (published) Carved coco de mer bowl with poly-lobed opening and champlevé and engraved decoration throughout. The top is decorated with plant stems housing a medallion with Persian nasta'liq inscriptions, with a Qur'anic verse in cursive Arabic (Qur'an, LXVIII, 51) deployed at the edge of the "rear bridge". On the opposite side, on the "prow", a small dummy spout. On the sides of the bowl, a register of multi-lobed cartouches containing poetic inscriptions in Persian nasta'liq, an ode to the kashkûl presented as a wine-drinking cup, symbol of eternity. One of these cartouches, under the "bow", contains the signature of the dervish Shâhbâz, the date 1277 H / 1860-61 and the name of the patron Hussein Khan. Under the shell, a toranj rosette symbolizing the sun, surrounded by plant branches. Metal suspension chain attached to the top by two openwork rings. Length: 32.5 cm Slight dents and scratches, traces of oxidation on the chain and metal fastenings. Sea coconut, the fruit from which this kashkûl and the following two (lots 144 and 145) were fashioned, comes from a palm tree native to the Seychelles. Carried by the waves, these fruits are said to have washed up on Iranian shores after a long sea voyage. This material, whose shape naturally evokes that of a boat, particularly inspired Qâjâr artists to make their alms bowls. PUBLICATION : MELIKIAN-CHIRVANI, Assadullah Souren, "Le Kashkûl safavide, vaisseau à vin de l'initiation mystique" in CALMARD, Jean (dir.), Études Safavides (Extrait), pp. 191-194, pl. XI-XVI, figs. 17-24, Bibliothèque iranienne 39, Institut Français de Recherche en Iran, Paris - Téhéran, 1993. A Qajar Sea Coconut Begging Bowl, Kashkûl, Iran, signed and dated (published)