Lot 148
- 148
An Ottoman tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl and ivory gaming board, Turkey, 18th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- tortelshell and mother-of-pearl and ivory
comprising two hinged component parts, the interior inlaid with alternating tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl panels designed for backgammon with khatamkari borders, the exterior with a central chequerboard design with alternating squares of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, also with khatamkari frame and ivory and wood border
Condition
In general good condition, the interior with some panels slightly loose due to morphing, some old repairs, some minor losses, all consistent with age and use, 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
The Ottoman taste and mastery for inlaying mother-of-pearl and tortoishell into objects intended for the household is elegantly demonstrated on the present games board which can be used for playing checkers on the exterior or backgammon on the interior.
A very similar games board is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, inv. no 861-1907, attributed to Istanbul, circa 1600 - 1700. It was purchased by the museum in the Netherlands, and is believed to have possibly been exported to Europe early on after it was made, pointing to the popularity of such Ottoman mastery in Europe at the time.
A very similar games board is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, inv. no 861-1907, attributed to Istanbul, circa 1600 - 1700. It was purchased by the museum in the Netherlands, and is believed to have possibly been exported to Europe early on after it was made, pointing to the popularity of such Ottoman mastery in Europe at the time.