An Ottoman domed leather-clad pen case, Turkey, 17th century

of characteristic oval form with domed, hinged lid, composed of papier-maché surmounted by leather on the exterior and lined with marbled paper to the interior, decorated on the outside with stamped lobed medallions containing chinoiserie scrolls and foliate motifs with gold outlines, mother-of-pearl lid on ink-pot

In generally fair condition, some ware as consistent with age and use, notably to exterior, leather rubbed, revealing some of the papier-maché composition on inside, visible notably to underside of feet, minor knicks and scratches, medallions with some losses to gold and one of medallions (at the front with probably later hinged lock) is missing, the interior with ink stains and minor tears to lining, the mother-of-pearl covering of the ink pot with some dirt, 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."

A comparable pen case in terms of shape and decoration is among the tuerkenbeute of the Badisches Landesmuseum, Karlsruhe, inv. no. D 244, also attributed to the seventeenth century, with lobed medallions and arabesques recalling the decoration of Ottoman book bindings of the period.