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AuctionsA Lifetime of Discovery IIILot 21

Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 1
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 1
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 2
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 3
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 4
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 5
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 6
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 7
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 8
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 9
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 10
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 11
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 12
Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century — view 13

Lot 21

Indian Engraved Brass Aftaba Ewer, 18th-19th Century

Estimate$600–$1,200

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Offered in A Lifetime of Discovery III · Sunday, November 1, 2026, To be announced

An Indian cast brass aftaba or water ewer attributed to North India or the Deccan, dating to the 18th-19th century. The vessel has a rounded body rising to a tall tapering neck, fitted with a hinged domed cover, long curving spout and an elaborate cast zoomorphic handle with stylized makara or dragon-like elements.

The body, neck, cover and spout are extensively hand-engraved with floral, foliate and geometric ornament arranged in decorative bands. The combination of long spout, hinged cover, engraved brass surface and zoomorphic handle is characteristic of Mughal and Deccani metalwork traditions.

The underside shows substantial age-related oxidation and green copper-alloy corrosion, with visible wear and accretion consistent with prolonged use and age.

Size
11 in. high.
Provenance
Property from an important private collection, assembled by a dealer and collector over more than six decades.
Condition
Age-related wear, tarnish, oxidation, scratches and surface discoloration throughout. Green corrosion and deposits to the underside and interior base. Wear and darkening to the cast handle and hinge, with scattered dents, abrasions and minor losses. The spout and handle show additional wear consistent with age and use. Please refer to photographs.

Estimates are opinions of value, given as a guide.