L12223

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Lot 242
  • 242

A rare and important Ottoman tombak incense burner (Buhurdan), Turkey, late 16th/17th Century

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • gilt copper
of baluster form, the ovoid body with a domed hinged openwork cover with foliate designs, surmounted by a palmette finial, supported on a circular tray with three feet and flowerhead terminals on the tray, incised with arabesques containing floral stems

Condition

In general good condition, some abrasions and light scratches to underside of tray, legs possibly later replaced, one with rubber ring, tray possibly later re-hinged, incense holder slightly bent, rubbing on surface of tray consistent with age, 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 beautiful incense burner, which features masterful openwork decoration, comprises a flat tray with a coal-box designed as an inverted conical chalice stem. The bowl was worked separately and riveted to it, and the details enhanced with fine zig-zag and cross motifs. A related example is in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Istanbul, acc. no.M.12 (Istanbul 2002, p.321).

Such tombak incense burners, with trays elevated on a tripod foot, appear from the late sixteenth through to the eighteenth century. Two similar incense burners are in the Khalili collection (illustrated in: Rogers 1995, p.178) and a further example is in the Düsseldorf Kunstmuseum (inv. No. KM10554).