A Tortoiseshell and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Calligrapher's Table, Turkey, early 17th century

of rectangular form, standing of four bracketed feet, with a lockable drawer to the front, decorated with interlacing star designs composed of tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, ivory, metal and wood

In general good condition, some restoration, including replacement of some tortoiseshell pieces, 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 interlacing star design found throughout the surface on the present casket is closely related to the decoration in tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl in the Bağdat Köşkü (Baghdad Pavilion), in the Topkapı Sarayı, dated to 1638. The comparison is particularly notable to the main panels of a pair of doors in this Palace room (Atil 1980, p.114, no.13).

This magnificent calligraphers table bears very close comparison in terms of decoration and scale to another table in a private collection (Houston 2007, p.51, fig.32). The decoration of the latter has been compared to the work produced in the reign of Murad III (r.1574-1595).