- 262
A rare and important pair of Ottoman silver pilgrim flasks with the tughra of Sultan 'Abd al-'Aziz (r.1861-76), Turkey, second half 19th Century
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver
comprising two silver flasks of pyriform shape with fluted bodies and elongated, waisted necks, the domed, fluted covers with applied foliate bud finials attached with two hanging chains, each on an ornate base with four arabesque feet
Condition
Both in general good condition, some light scratches to surface, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
With the tughra of ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (1277-93 AH/1861-76 AD).
This pair of silver flasks, which bear the tughra of Sultan ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (r.1861-76), belong to a small group of silverware produced for ruling class pilgrims. The form and design of the pair refer to the so-called zemzem şişesi (zamzam bottle) or zevrak, which are usually associated with ceramics, notably opaline or Chinese blue and white bottles with leather stoppers and rarely silver (for example, Topkapi Palace Museum, inv. no. 15/10846, 15/10779, 15/10810, 21/763). Silver, rather than gold, was favoured in the production of many religious objects and fittings, a number of which are now in the Topkapi Palace museum such as the sheath of the Hajar al-aswad (the holy black stone, inv. no. 21/503), the Prophet's hair caskets (inv. no.21/733), and models of the Prophet's shoe (inv.no.21/507).
Water from the zamzam spring is believed to enhance physical and spiritual well-being and plays an important role in the Hajj for pilgrims who partake of it and bring it back for honoured guests and loved ones. Zamzam water is used on many occasions, such as breaking the fast during Ramadan, or on one's deathbed. Every year the Ottoman state would send official gifts to Mecca and Medina with the Surre Procession, and both courtiers and ordinary people sent leather bags bearing their names containing money and gifts; these would be returned filled with dates. Zamzam water would be carried back to the Ottoman palace, probably in large containers and served to the members of the ruling class in exquisite bottles such as the present pair. Silver zamzam containers, of barrel form with a tap, were also produced for the Ottoman elite.
This pair of silver flasks attests to the importance given to the holy pilgrimage to Mecca with special attention accorded to the collection of zamzam water by Ottoman courtiers, even in the declining years of the empire.
With the tughra of ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (1277-93 AH/1861-76 AD).
This pair of silver flasks, which bear the tughra of Sultan ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (r.1861-76), belong to a small group of silverware produced for ruling class pilgrims. The form and design of the pair refer to the so-called zemzem şişesi (zamzam bottle) or zevrak, which are usually associated with ceramics, notably opaline or Chinese blue and white bottles with leather stoppers and rarely silver (for example, Topkapi Palace Museum, inv. no. 15/10846, 15/10779, 15/10810, 21/763). Silver, rather than gold, was favoured in the production of many religious objects and fittings, a number of which are now in the Topkapi Palace museum such as the sheath of the Hajar al-aswad (the holy black stone, inv. no. 21/503), the Prophet's hair caskets (inv. no.21/733), and models of the Prophet's shoe (inv.no.21/507).
Water from the zamzam spring is believed to enhance physical and spiritual well-being and plays an important role in the Hajj for pilgrims who partake of it and bring it back for honoured guests and loved ones. Zamzam water is used on many occasions, such as breaking the fast during Ramadan, or on one's deathbed. Every year the Ottoman state would send official gifts to Mecca and Medina with the Surre Procession, and both courtiers and ordinary people sent leather bags bearing their names containing money and gifts; these would be returned filled with dates. Zamzam water would be carried back to the Ottoman palace, probably in large containers and served to the members of the ruling class in exquisite bottles such as the present pair. Silver zamzam containers, of barrel form with a tap, were also produced for the Ottoman elite.
This pair of silver flasks attests to the importance given to the holy pilgrimage to Mecca with special attention accorded to the collection of zamzam water by Ottoman courtiers, even in the declining years of the empire.