Lot 140
- 140
An imperial leather pilgrim's water flask (matara) with the tughra of Abdulhamid II (r.1876-1909), Turkey, 19th century
Estimate
12,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- leather
the leather body of characteristic pilgrim flask form, with attached leather handle for carrying and wooden stopper, the front adorned with a large tughra in gilt-metal threads
Condition
In fairly good condition, small tears and scratches to leather as consistent with age and use, tear to handle which would benefit from restoration, the gilt-metal threads of the tughra are slightly tarnished with most of original gilding lost, the wood stopper probably a later addition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
Tughra of Abdulhamid II (r. 1293-1327 AH/1876-1909 AD)
Most probably intended for the collection of zamzam water during the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, the present leather flask, which bears the imperial monogram (tughra) of Sultan Abdulhamid II stitched in gilt-metal threads belongs to a small group of flasks produced for royal dignitaries.
A similar flask, the earliest recorded, is now in Neue Burg in Vienna as it was sent by Sultan Murad III (r.1574-95) to the Austrian Emperor Rudolf II in 1582. Further examples, two of which bear the tughra of Sultan Abdulaziz (r.1861-76), are found in the Naval Museum in Istanbul. Another royal flask, bearing the tughra of Sultan Abdulmecid (r.1839-61) is in the Topkapi Palace Museum (Published in L. Dagtas, Muze ve Koleksiyonlardan Deri Eserler, Turkiye Deri Vakfi, 2007, p.66).
Tughra of Abdulhamid II (r. 1293-1327 AH/1876-1909 AD)
Most probably intended for the collection of zamzam water during the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, the present leather flask, which bears the imperial monogram (tughra) of Sultan Abdulhamid II stitched in gilt-metal threads belongs to a small group of flasks produced for royal dignitaries.
A similar flask, the earliest recorded, is now in Neue Burg in Vienna as it was sent by Sultan Murad III (r.1574-95) to the Austrian Emperor Rudolf II in 1582. Further examples, two of which bear the tughra of Sultan Abdulaziz (r.1861-76), are found in the Naval Museum in Istanbul. Another royal flask, bearing the tughra of Sultan Abdulmecid (r.1839-61) is in the Topkapi Palace Museum (Published in L. Dagtas, Muze ve Koleksiyonlardan Deri Eserler, Turkiye Deri Vakfi, 2007, p.66).