Lot 204
- 204
An Ottoman nielloed and silver-gilt knife set (trousse) with tughra of Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30), Turkey, early 18th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver and gilt, small colourful stone
the scabbard carved in relief with entwining foliage, sections with nielloed foliate motifs, tughra of Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30), parcel gilt, suspension loop, containing two knives, each with en-suite decoration to hilt
Condition
Only the trousse itself has a tughra mark, the knives possibly later replacements or blades themselves possibly later, the design on trousse rubbed and discolored, similar wear to hilts of knives (each set with a colourful stone, unable to identify composition, possibly paste), the blades with pitting and abrasion particularly to tips, light scratches, tips, 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
This exceptional trousse is one of the earliest recorded examples of Ottoman silver knife-sets and demonstrates true technical mastery.
Its surface is set with silver-gilt floral motifs with engraved and incised designs on a ground entirely covered in niello decoration stamped with the tughra of Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30). The niello technique from this early knife-set is strongly reminiscent of the silver dagger from the reign of Sultan Mehmed IV as well as a body armour suit of the same period, made for Janissary Mustafa Aga (illustrated in Kurkman 1996, p.145). These decorative similarities indicate a trend in artistic techniques and fashions that spanned the reigns of Sultan Mehmed IV and Sultan Ahmed III.
Its surface is set with silver-gilt floral motifs with engraved and incised designs on a ground entirely covered in niello decoration stamped with the tughra of Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30). The niello technique from this early knife-set is strongly reminiscent of the silver dagger from the reign of Sultan Mehmed IV as well as a body armour suit of the same period, made for Janissary Mustafa Aga (illustrated in Kurkman 1996, p.145). These decorative similarities indicate a trend in artistic techniques and fashions that spanned the reigns of Sultan Mehmed IV and Sultan Ahmed III.