Metalware: 2 Persian enameled copper plates, very detailed Exquisitely detailed copper plates are finely enameled with 2 structures in Isphahan (Esfahan): Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque, aka Shah Abbas Mosque (built 1602-1619 by Shah Abbas I), and the 18th centuryAli Qapu Palace, aka Royal Palace of Ali Gharpu. Both of these structures are part of the buildings surrounding what is now known as Kohmeini Square in Esfahan, Iran. I’ve read that the Shahs sat in the upper palace area to watch polo matches; 2 polo goals remain in the massive playing area of the square which has otherwise been converted (see photo of current day). Plates are embossed enameled copper with white enamel on the back. They show detail (green birds, tiny flowers) from the building tile designs, & what the buildings may have looked like in the past. Plates are 9" across, with a vibrant gold, blue, black border with small flowers. Each has one building as the central focus. There is one paper label left behind the back foot; one has traces of a paper label. There is an occasional spot of gold loss along the edges; one dent on the edge (see photo, about 4 o’clock position) & a dent with missing enamel on the foot behind the same plate. If you really search for them, there are very very fine scratches across the central paint area of the other plate, not very distracting, and in fact, blend in with the fine lines of the painting. Wonderful pair, a souvenir of the famous metalware bazaar in Persia (Iran). I was given these as a gift about 35 years ago and really didn’t know much about them until I did online research. From what information I could gather, I would date these to the first half of the 20th century, but am not an expert; they could be older. *Photo of the square shows one building on the right, and one on the left, both facing into the square. Buyer to pay for shipping by USPS Priority with Delivery Confirmation, 3 lbs. from 06068. #316