A Rare Italian gold-inlaid tortoiseshell covered cup and saucer, made for the Ottoman Market, probably Naples, second half 18th century

of typical form, wholly composed of tortoiseshell, the handle ridged and studded with gold-inlay, the cover with a bud finial, decorated throughout with gold-inlaid baroque foliate motifs and architectural vignettes

overall in good condition. some minor cracks throughout due to age. some chips to the inner ridge of the cover, some rubbing to the gold-inlay, 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 form of this cup became popular in the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century. It appears in silver and also in glass, usually in wares made for the Ottoman market in Bohemia. A covered cup and saucer in the Khalili Collection of a similar form but in porcelain was possibly made at the factory at Yildiz (S. Vernoit, Occidentalism. Islamic Art in the 19th Century, London, 1997, p.174, no.124). This porcelain cup is applied with openwork designs in silver, very similar to those inlaid into the present example, including the use of architectural motifs. This is an attempt to compete with European imports but for some of the Ottoman producers, such as the Incirli factory near Beykoz, this was unsuccessful and they were forced to close in the face of insurmountable competition from European suppliers.