A LARGE OTTOMAN SILVER SCRIBE'S PEN-CASE (DIVIT), STAMPED BY THE MAKER MEHMET IBN ISMA’IL AND TUGHRA OF MAHMUD I (R.1730-54), TURKEY, MID-18TH CENTURY |

elongated rectangular case with swollen terminals and a double-hinged well, the terminals and edges and base of well gilt with carved and incised floral decoration, stamped with tughra and a maker's mark 'amal Mehmed'

Few scratches to surface and minor dents, the gilding slightly rubbed as consistent with age and use, minor oxidisation particularly noticeable to edges, stone on top of lid possibly later replaced, as viewed. The piece weighs 470.8 grams.
"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."

This pencase is a rare signed example of metalwork from the reign of Sultan Mahmud I (r.1730-54). Fortunately, the artist Ismail b. Mehmed is recorded and his works documented. For his signature, please see Kürkman 1996, p.106. Inside the lid is an incised calligraphic composition which includes the names of the so-called 'Seven Sleepers' mentioned in the Qur’an, Surat al-Kahf. Their names, which have talismanic values are Yamliha, Makthalina, Mislina, Marnush, Dabarnush, Shazanush, Kafashtatayyush and their dog Kitmir. This inscription is beautifully composed in the shape of the star of Solomon (mohr-i Sulayman) in the centre. For comparable applications of the names of the 'Seven Sleepers' on Ottoman silver pen-cases please see ibid. p.82. This divit is of further interest as it bears stylistic resemblance to some silver pen-cases from the period of Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30), illustrated in Kürkman 1996, pp.152-5.