A rare and important Yildiz palace-ware silver-gilt enamelled plate, Turkey, late 19th Century

of shallow form with a raised border, decorated with white, blue, red, green enamel and silver-gilt decoration, the central image featuring the fountain of Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-1730) in Istanbul, the border decorated with a band of silver-inlaid and enamelled rumi and double-rumi decoration, with relief crescent moons containing alternating inscriptions and floral designs, a band of stylised crescent moons to reverse, hook to foot for hanging 

In overall good condition, some slight tarnishing to silver, areas of oxidisation to reverse, consistent with age, 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."

inscriptions
ma sha'a allah kana
'What God wishes exists'

al-nijah fi'l-sidq
'Salvation is in sincerity'

al-muqaddar ka'in
'What is preordained exists'

Under the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II (r.1876-1909), a porcelain factory and several workshops were established in the grounds of the Yildiz Palace which produced wares to be used in the palace or to be sent as diplomatic gifts.

Although porcelain produced in the Yildiz factory was occasionally decorated with enamel, no similar piece entirely decorated with enamel has been recorded. The unusual richness in style and decoration of this plate, with a decorative repertoire inspired by the revivalist approach that was favoured by Sultan Abdulhamid II, suggests a royal provenance. The depiction of classical Ottoman monuments such as, in this case, the fountain of Ahmed III, were particularly in vogue during Abdulhamid's reign, in part due to his constant attention to renovating local architecture and preserving the heritage of Istanbul and its environs.