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Lot 231
  • 231

An Ottoman tile with cintamani design, Turkey, 17th century

Estimate
12,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • ceramics
  • 21 by 21cm.
of square form, decorated with cintamani motifs in underglaze cobalt blue with black outlines

Provenance

Ex-private collection, France, mid-20th century.

Condition

In overall good condition, to break lines with associated restoration including some overpainting, some abrasion to external edges and rubbing to overpainted decoration, 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."

Catalogue Note

This tile presents a powerfully graphic example of the use of the cintamani design on an Ottoman ceramic. The cintamani motif, comprising three dots, has been associated to a tale in which the ruler Timur "dipped three fingers in the blood of an enemy and pressed them on the door of a mosque to indicate that he was seizing it personally" (J. Train, Oriental Rug Symbols, London, 1997). The word probably derives from the Sanskrit term for "precious jewel", and became an important decorative symbol in the Ottoman period, used on ceramics, textiles, and book illumination. On this tile, the cintamani are stripped to their most elemental form to create a design with an arresting abstract quality.