A rare Ottoman gilt wood seat, Turkey, 18th century

the wooden frame part-gilded and with low seat and high sides carved at either end with outward-facing stylised peacocks holding fruit in their mouths, standing on four short legs, the silk covering comprising medallions with tulip finials with silver-gilt thread decoration

In overall good condition, the fabric of the seat has faded consistent with age, and there is a patch of fraying threads beneath one of the upper side arms, a large proportion of the gilding has been rubbed from the wood, 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."

Edirne-ware (Edirnekârî) benches in the form of a portable seat or a kind of divan such as this were produced between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.  These pieces of furniture can be considered true works of art and are considerable rare since 'furniture', in the European sense, found its place in the daily life of the Ottoman upper-class only after the second half of the eighteenth century.  Stylised peacocks, such as the ones found on this example, were the leading motifs (traditionally representing wealth and prosperity) and were generally placed symetrically in the composition.  Relevantly, the Edirne-ware circumcision-throne of Sultan Mahmud II (r.1808-39), once in the collection of Refik Gökkan in Istanbul, is a remarkable specimen which has also been decorated with symetrically located stylised peacocks.

Seats such as the present example were, in most cases, used by noble ladies as part of their harem furniture and reflected the social status, wealth, authority and power of their owners.  The original silk covering of the example in hand indicates the high quality standards of textiles required for covering such pieces.