A Small Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Inlaid Calligraphers Table, Turkey, 17th century

of deep rectangular form with a drawer to the front and lock, on four bracketed feet, decorated in mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell with various geometric designs, flowerheads and tulips to the top and arabesques on the drawer composed of applied elements of ivory, wood and metal wire

In overall good condition, with few minor scratches to mother-of-pearl and to parts of mosaic borders, few small holes caused by worms on base, some restoration work, 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."

This elegant piece of Ottoman furniture has decoration that celebrates both a passion for geometry and the lyricism of floral motifs. The tulips on the upper surface of the chest are reminiscent of the use of such motifs on both Iznik pottery tilework and contemporary textiles where their repeated form creates an abstract design from natural elements. The interlocking polygons on the front of the cabinet draw on a medieval tradition linked with the rest of the decoration on the chest by their use of exotic materials, the tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, which come into use in Ottoman furniture in the later sixteenth century. This is probably reflection of the increased Ottoman familiarity and presence in the Indian Ocean following their expansion to the Red Sea in the wake of their victory over Mamluks.