An Ottoman Ivory-Inlaid Scribe's Box, Turkey, Circa 17th Century

of rectangular form with detachable cover, inlaid with wood, ivory, ebony, green and red stained ivory, each side with a central foliate ivory cartouche with diamond medallion and palmette terminals reserved on a wood ground, flanked and bordered by geometric trellis and diamond patterning surrounded by polygonal bands of alternating ebony and ivory, the cover with green and red stained ivory plaques and filaments, the front with a later repoussé lock

in very good condition, hairline cracks to the ivory panels 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."

The simplicity of line and the balanced design of the decoration on this box recall the marquetry found on Ottoman Qur'an cabinets from the sixteenth century. An example in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Istanbul, (illus. Istanbul 2002, p.254) has sides decorated with a foliate ivory medallion reserved on an ebony ground echoing the composition of classical Ottoman binding. The elongated lozenges or diamond medallions seen on the present lot also appear on the domed cover of another Qur'an cabinet in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, (ibid., p.170, no.110).