Dallah coffee maker

The dallah is much more than just a coffee pot: it is a work of art emblematic of Arab culture, used to prepare and serve coffee in the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf. Closely associated with the coffee ritual, the dallah is a powerful symbol of Arab hospitality. History: The dallah probably first appeared in the 16th century, and is inextricably linked with the introduction of coffee in the Ottoman Empire. Its distinctive shape, however, may date from the 17th century. This masterpiece predates the Turkish cezve and the Ethiopian jebena. Function: The dallah embodies the Arab tradition of hospitality. Offering coffee with a dallah is a gesture of welcome and respect. Any breach of this ritual can be seen as an affront. Present in every home, it is a symbol of pride and identity. Aesthetics and Manufacture: With its bulbous body, long crescent-shaped spout and sinuous handle, the dallah is a marvel of design. Made from brass, steel, silver, or even 24-carat gold for special occasions, it is often adorned with traditional motifs such as swirls, diamonds, flowers and cardamom pods. Although handmade dallahs are in decline, they are still a precious testimony to time-honoured craftsmanship. Iconography: The dallah is so iconic that it appears on one-dirham coins in the United Arab Emirates and decorates many urban locations. In souks and souvenir shops, it symbolises the life and culture of the Arabian Peninsula. To own a dallah is to own a piece of Arabian history and art, celebrating a tradition of hospitality that has endured through the ages. This magnificent object is a must-have for any collector with a passion for Middle Eastern art and culture.