- 281
Two embroidered leather bowls and cups, Turkey, 18/19th Century
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Leather and metal embroidery
consisting of two, deep round bowls with petalled edges, moulded with a central raised boss, embroidered on the exterior with a stylised floral decoration, the two cubic cups with a thin curved handle, one embroidered on each side with a floral bouquet, the other embroidered with a calligraphic design above floral stems
Exhibited
Couleurs d'Orient, Brussels, 2010
Literature
Brussels 2010, p.87
Condition
The two bowls in fair condition, some loss to embroidery due to rubbing and abrasion, consistent with use, the two cups in fairly good condition, with minor flaking to interior of larger cup and rubbing along base, the smaller cup with slight crackling to leather, consistent with 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
inscriptions
A couplet in Turkish, possibly reading
işte su ehl-i irfan meşrebince kase dersin
işte bunu afiyet olsun efendim nuş edersin
"Here is water! When the people of spirituality drinking [from it] may the cup say,
"Here! Drink this, "Good Health Milord!"
The two bowls can be compared with a similar-style bath bowl in the Topkapi Palace Museum (Museum No. 31/1435) from the 19th Century. It is said that it could have been brought by a Sultan with him while he was campaigning and used in the important ceremony of bathing which was not only considered hygienic, but held a religious significance also. (Atasoy 1992, illustration and text p. 185).