View full screen - View 1 of Lot 34. Two fine Ottoman tortoiseshell and amber prayer beads (tesbih), Turkey, circa 1900.

Two fine Ottoman tortoiseshell and amber prayer beads (tesbih), Turkey, circa 1900

Auction Closed

March 31, 12:40 PM GMT

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the longer with ninety-nine tortoiseshell beads divided into three sets by two 'nisane' beads, with long 'imame' bead and 'tepelik' to extremity of imame; the other comprising thirty-three amber beads strung with an openwork metal bead and tassel


2

tortoiseshell: 53cm.

amber beads: 17.5cm; 30cm. with tassel

This lot contains endangered species. Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrict or prohibit the import of certain items to protect wildlife conservation. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with the shipment of this lot to the US. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.
A similar tesbih in the Bir collection, Grassi Museum, Dresden, comprising thirty-three amber beads is attributed to the nineteenth century Ottoman Empire and are illustrated in W-D. Seiwert, Jewellery from the Orient: Treasures from the Bir Collection, Stuttgart, 2009, p.18, no.24 (SB 1620, A.: Istanbul, 1995).