A Diamond, Ruby and Emerald set and enamelled gold inkwell, a calligrapher's knife and a burnishing emerald, Turkey, 17th and 19th century

the inkwell of typical form, with a cylindrical well and rectangular covering, including a hinged lid, enamelled and inlaid with colourful stones set in flowerhead motifs, the calligrapher's knife with a faceted agate hilt between two gold mounts, the terminal mounted with a green gemstone, the blade gilt with a foliate border, the burnishing emerald with a bright green tone

All three in overall good condition, the inkwell with some loss of enameling inside hinged cover, minor rubbing of gilding on knife, 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 sophistication of these calligraphic utensils suggests use in the highest courtly circles, perhaps in the imperial chancery. The inkwell would have been housed in one of the lavishly decorated pencases, such as the example mounted with rock-crystal, emeralds and rubies in the Topkapi Palace Museum (Atasoy 1992, p.95). An Ottoman gem-set gold pencase, equal in its sumptuousness, was presented to the Tsar and is now housed in the collection of the Kremlin (Washington 2009, p.100-101, no.48). 

The use of an emerald as a burnishing stone is practical but highly indulgent. The process of burnishing paper in preparation for writing was essential to produce a result of high quality. Once wetted with size, the paper was allowed to dry before working the surface of the paper back and forth with a burnishing tool to eradicate imperfections and align all of the constituent elements. The paper would then be left to age for at least one year (Houston 2007, p.26).