An Ottoman Enamelled and gem-set buckle, Turkey, circa 1700

each of lobed medallion form, the central rosette enamelled with detailed floral motifs and raised gem-set peak comprising lasque and table-cut diamonds, rubies and emeralds, bordered by seven smaller red, green and white enamelled flower-heads with a gem-set tip

some losses inlcluding at least one missing stone, losses to enamels, repairs to back of one element, minor damages, enamelling has some rubbing but colours still bright, 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."

The 'bejewelled aesthetic' in Ottoman art has been commented on previously (Petsopoulos 1982, pp.21-2). This magnificent belt-buckle combines the appeal of gold and silver-gilt mounted with stones and further embellished with polychrome enamels. Related buckles are more usually of an elongated form and probably predate this example (Sotheby's, 24 October 2007, lot 269). This buckle continues this sumptuous tradition but embraces a form that becomes more prevalent in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. An example in the Benaki Museum, Athens, has a similar form and also makes use of applied floral-form plaques (inv. no. EA106). It has been suggested that the Benaki example is from a workshop in Constantinople, lending weight to a similar attribution for the present buckle.