A Tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl octagonal cabinet, Turkey or syria, 20th century

of octagonal form with a domed top surmounted by a spike finial, standing on eight legs forming cusped arches, the lower section decorated with panels of chequerboard design in mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell, with borders of interlacing strapwork, the slightly broader upper section with mother-of-pearl panels inlaid with tortoiseshell floral motifs including carnations and saz leaves, bordered by tortoiseshell vertical bands, the domed section decorated ensuite, with a band of calligraphic panels

inscriptions

Qur'an, chapter II (al-Baqarah), verse 255, ayat al-kursi, 'The Throne verse'.