A Diamond and Emerald set silver Inkwell, Turkey, with the tughra of Abdulhamid II (r.1293-1327/1876-1909)

the inkwell of oval form sitting on a base of leaves, with a hinged cover, the finial designed as stylised leaves with emeralds, encircled by a lizard, eyes inset with rubies, stamped with tughra

In general good condition, one small red gemstone missing from eye of lizard, hinge slightly loose, two small drillholes to underside of lizard, 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 pointe de diamant style had been applied to Ottoman courtly objects by the eighteenth century such as rosewater sprinkler in a private collection in Istanbul stamped with the tughra of Sultan Selim III (r.1703-1730) (Kurkman 1996, p.156). This dazzling inkwell clearly continues this tradition into the nineteenth century with an exoticism and playfulness appropriate of a vertu object of this period.