A Safavid engraved and inscribed copper bowl, Iran, 17th century, of deep rounded form, with narrow neck and flared rim, profusely decorated with scenes from the Khamsa of Nizami, Persian poetical verses in nasta'liq within cartouches to neck and a band of flowers and vine with inscription to rim, a large nasta'liq inscription cartouche to one side of the body reading "bismallah al-rahman al-rahim," In the rectangular cartouche below "nasr min Allah wa fath qarib wa bashshir al-mu’minin (Qur’an LXI, sura al-saf, v.13)" , 25.3cm. diam. Provenance: Acquired by Eric Crowe, son of diplomat Sir Eyre Crowe (1864-1925), when he was posted to Tehran as a British diplomat between 1939-41 and thence by descent to Sir Brian Crowe (1938-2020) and family. Please refer to department for condition report