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An imperial Ottoman silver-gilt and nielloed penbox (divit) bearing the tughra of Mehmed IV (r.1648-87), Turkey, second half 17th century
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
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Description
- silver, turquoise, enamel
the surface set with silver-gilt tulip motifs with engraved and incised designs on a ground entirely covered in niello decoration comprising tight floral scrolls, the inkwell lid with turquoise enamel and set with turquoise stone, the underside stamped with the tughra of Sultan Mehmed IV within an incised flowerhead
Provenance
Ex-private collection, Belgium, mid-20th century
Literature
This magnificent penbox not only demonstrates great beauty and technical sophistication, it also represents one of the earliest known examples of its type.
Stylistically it is similar to, but predates, a number of examples of silver penboxes from the period of Ahmed III (r.1703-30), illustrated in Kürkman 1996, pp.152-5. Whereas these examples tend to be of a simpler design, a body armour suite, also from the period of Mehmed IV, made for the Janissary Mustafa Ağa and dated 1093 AH/1682 AD, displays the same quality of niello-work as the present penbox (ibid, p.146). Furthermore, the form, comprising a long rectangular holder for the reed pens and cubic-form inkwell, was not yet as widespread as it would become after the period of Ahmed II (r.1691-95), and diverges from the classical ovoid shape (see for example three penboxes from the mid-sixteenth century illustrated in Roxburgh 2005, p.358, nos.342-344).
The sublime attention to detail and refinement of the nielloed design covering the entire pen box is worthy of the finest illuminations, recalling courtly production of the early sixteenth century. It is comparable to the floral scroll work on an illuminated tughra of Suleyman the Magnificent, circa 1540-50, in the Topkapi Palace Museum (inv.no. G.Y.1400).
It is also noteworthy to observe the repeat pattern of gilt tulip heads set on each side of the penbox, testifying to the esteem in which this flower was held by the Ottomans, particularly in the seventeenth century. Considered the most highly-regarded flowers in Ottoman culture, tulips were often depicted on artworks and used in romantic poems to describe the cheeks of the loved one.
Stylistically it is similar to, but predates, a number of examples of silver penboxes from the period of Ahmed III (r.1703-30), illustrated in Kürkman 1996, pp.152-5. Whereas these examples tend to be of a simpler design, a body armour suite, also from the period of Mehmed IV, made for the Janissary Mustafa Ağa and dated 1093 AH/1682 AD, displays the same quality of niello-work as the present penbox (ibid, p.146). Furthermore, the form, comprising a long rectangular holder for the reed pens and cubic-form inkwell, was not yet as widespread as it would become after the period of Ahmed II (r.1691-95), and diverges from the classical ovoid shape (see for example three penboxes from the mid-sixteenth century illustrated in Roxburgh 2005, p.358, nos.342-344).
The sublime attention to detail and refinement of the nielloed design covering the entire pen box is worthy of the finest illuminations, recalling courtly production of the early sixteenth century. It is comparable to the floral scroll work on an illuminated tughra of Suleyman the Magnificent, circa 1540-50, in the Topkapi Palace Museum (inv.no. G.Y.1400).
It is also noteworthy to observe the repeat pattern of gilt tulip heads set on each side of the penbox, testifying to the esteem in which this flower was held by the Ottomans, particularly in the seventeenth century. Considered the most highly-regarded flowers in Ottoman culture, tulips were often depicted on artworks and used in romantic poems to describe the cheeks of the loved one.
Condition
In overall good condition, very minor parts of turquoise enamel inlay on inkwell chipped off, some very minor oxidisation to underside around edges of 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."
"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."