A pair of Armenian mother-of-pearl set wooden shoes (qabqab), Egypt or Turkey, 18th/19th century

comprising two tall wooden stilts set with triangular mother of pearl plaques in a geometric design with wire outlines, leather and velvet straps with silver-thread decoration with Armenian initials 'YML'

Both with some minor nicks as consistent with wear and age, few mother-of pearl replacements, metal outlines with remnants of silver paint, some slightly loose, broken, wood rubbed, 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 high stilts of such qabqabs would have proved useful in protecting the bathers' feet as they walked on the heated floors of the bath-house. Used exclusively by women, surviving shoes are frequently decorated in a variety of manners; a very similar pair are in the British Museum, London, inv.no. As.1553.a-b, and in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no.907&A-1884). Their height is also noteworthy being at the limits of practicality and thus emphasising their role in fashion over function. For two further pairs of comparable qabqabs see Lâle Görünür, Shoes From the Sadberk Hanim Museum Collection, 2014, pp.268-271 no.107 and 108.