Two very rare copper dish covers (Sarpush) and a bell metal ink-pot cover with Safavid designs. On Persian paintings we frequently see food-covers, but these are seldom offered for sale.
We have 3 examples in our collection:
- The first cover has some fine Safavid designs and a band with calligraphy and has some similarities to the cover shown in Melikian (ref 1) page 321 fig 145.
- The second huge dish cover (Sarpush) has a diameter of 35 cm and is approx 27 cm high and weighs nearly 3 kilo and has a wide band with calligraphy (Persian / Arabic) around it. The text is unfortunately unknown to us (see photos in slide-show) If anyone can help with the Arabic / Persian text we would be very grateful.
- The third small (ink-pot) cover (named davat) has been cast from bell metal and deeply engraved/incised. For similar covers see Melikian (ref 1) page 282-285
ad 1 Persian style dish cover (dome shape)
Western Iran Central band decoration similar to Ref 1 page 331 fig 151
Persian dish covers with different decoration can be found in ref 1 pages 305, 321 & 344
Each panel with animal decoration is followed by a panel with abstract floral decoration
ad 2 This large Persian dish-cover Sarpush weighs nearly 3 kg
This very unusual shape looks like a Persian Tent, while most look like a dome

ad 2 We have not yet been able to proper decipher the text on this very large food cover. If anyone can decipher this let us know!!

ad 2 food cover very fine calligraphic text

ad 2 Dish cover (Sarpush) seen from the top
ad 3 small heavy cover, probably for an inkwell (made of cast bell metal)
As Oman was occupied for periods by the Persians it is difficult to distinguish if the items are Persian or Omani. Also Persian craftsmen worked in the Omani souqs. However the designs are 17th century Safavid. There have also been periods when Persian craftsmen wee not allowed in Oman.
Dating is also difficult, but generally speaking the more "diluted" the Safavid design the more recent the copper-ware