A Sevres tea service commissioned for Ottoman Sultan Murad V (r. May-Aug 1876), signed Hélène Nald de la manufacture de Sèvres , France, 1876

the porcelain tea set consisting of six teacups with their respective saucers, a teapot, a sugarbowl, a creamer and a tray, painted throughout in azure blue with white interiors and further embellished with gilt borders, trefoils and arabesques, all but the saucers with a portrait of Sultan Murad V, the saucers, teapot, creamer and sugarbowl with cartouches depicting polychrome floral arrangements, the tray with fitted metal backing, each piece marked S.71

In overall excellent condition. Minor loss to the gilding throughout. 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."

During the 19th century, porcelain decorated with portraits of Ottoman sultans was much favoured among the Turkish elite. A number of tea and coffee sets formerly pertaining to the royal family are still found in the Dolmabahçe Palace and Yildiz Palace, some of which were produced locally, at the Yildiz Porcelain Factory in Istanbul.

The significance of this particular set is primarily related to its association with Sultan Murad V, whom it was produced for. Murad V is known for having had the shortest reign in the history of the Ottoman Empire, ruling only for ninety-three days. It is certain that the current lot was presented to the Sultan as a gift following his enthronement and no other set bearing his portrait is known.

Comparable examples include a tea set in identical form with the tughra of Abdülaziz (r.1861-76), now in the Dolmabahçe Palace, as well as a porcelain tray bearing the full portrait of Sultan Mahmud II (r.1808-39) now in the Topaki Palace Museum (inv. no.34/418).