HvWO 154I

Omani Baluchi Brass Rosewater sprinkler
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Omani Rosewater sprinkler

 

Rare Omani Baluchi Brass Rosewater sprinkler. In Oman traditionally after coffee has been served rosewater is sprinkled over the hands and sometimes over the heads of guests. Rosewater is made by putting crushed rose-petals in water, which is then left for several days to allow evaporation to strengthen the solution.  The floral decorations are similar to those found on Omani Shirazzi style chests. However the designs have also  a major resemblance with metalwork from Zanzibar / East Africa (see Stuhlmann)

Antique Omani rosewater sprinkler

 Antique Omani brass Rosewater sprinkler with Baluchi designs

Antique Omani rosewater sprinkler

Antique Omani rosewater sprinkler

antique Omani brass rosewater sprinkler

Omani antique brass

Rosewater sprinkler seen from the top. There are two tiny holes in the silver cover. 

Arab Name: Omani Baluchi Brass Rosewater sprinkler

Period: 1800-1900

Origin: Oman Baluchi, Zanzibar, East Africa

The use of medallions with abstract floral or animal designs in metal work may suggest that the design is originally derived from Persian metalwork. In Oman we used to find very fine antique brass containers and rosewater sprinklers with similar medallions containing floral designs but also funny cartoon like animals. Typically gazelles  and leopards and occasionally peacocks or elephants) However we also find brass containers  with just floral designs in the medallions

    References:
  1. Handwerk und industrie in Ost Afrika Hamburg 1910 by Franz Stuhlmann See also afb 75  p 131-132  Picture 75 contains a silver container with emblems containing flowers that was made in East Africa. The fact that abstract animals are used in the emblems on our plates may also suggest an origin outside Oman proper e.g. Zanzibar were Islamic rules were a bit more relaxed.
  2. Ruth Hawley Omani Silver Longman London 1978 (no page numbers)
  3. Arab & Islamic Silver by Saad Al-Jadir 1981   Stacey International  p 210
  4. Throw down the anchor The story of the Muttrah souq by Maxine Burden, centre for Omani dress, Muscat Media Group 2014 pages 206-209 contains an article on the making of Rosewater in Oman.
  5. Oman and its Renaissance  by Sir Donald Hawley Stacey International London 1987 page 143 photo with similar item

Below you find a Youtube film how rosewater is being made in Oman: