- 180
An Ottoman Edirne-ware manuscript cabinet, Turkey, 18th century
Estimate
40,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- painted wood
the surface with gilt and painted foliate decoration carved in relief, with lockable hinged door to front and key opening to reveal two shelves and catma lining
Condition
Some general ware to surface consistent with age and use, flaking and craquelure of paint, some old wood worm holes, 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
Elaborately decorated cabinets such as the present example were used by the upper classes of Ottoman society to store valuables such as jewellery, family heirlooms, deeds, money and books. Dated to the eighteenth century, this cabinet is a beautiful example of Edirne-ware (Edirnekari), a special technique for painting carved wood which yielded richly decorative patterns comprising realistic compositions of flowers, leaves and fruits on a coloured ground. Developed in Edirne, this speciality reached its peak between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
The present cabinet is a beautiful example of the fine craftsmanship that could be achieved with Edirne-ware, and particularly models made in Istanbul (Amsterdam 2004, pp.134-37). Its decorative scheme echoes that of the Fruit Room of Sultan Ahmed III (r. 1703-1730) in the Topkapi Palace, notably the bunch of flowers on the inner side of the cabinet’s door (Irepoglu 2012, pp.148, 169). Similar floral arrangements were applied on the facades of public fountains built in Istanbul in the first half of the eighteenth century, providing a comparable date of attribution for the present piece. Further noteworthy features include the fragments of eighteenth century textiles (catma) that adorn the inner walls and two shelves of the cabinet.
The present cabinet is a beautiful example of the fine craftsmanship that could be achieved with Edirne-ware, and particularly models made in Istanbul (Amsterdam 2004, pp.134-37). Its decorative scheme echoes that of the Fruit Room of Sultan Ahmed III (r. 1703-1730) in the Topkapi Palace, notably the bunch of flowers on the inner side of the cabinet’s door (Irepoglu 2012, pp.148, 169). Similar floral arrangements were applied on the facades of public fountains built in Istanbul in the first half of the eighteenth century, providing a comparable date of attribution for the present piece. Further noteworthy features include the fragments of eighteenth century textiles (catma) that adorn the inner walls and two shelves of the cabinet.