AN OTTOMAN GOLD-INLAID MARINE IVORY DAGGER WITH SCABBARD, TURKEY, LATE 17TH CENTURY |

the slightly curved watered-steel blade with a marine ivory hilt, the ivory scabbard with silver chape and lock engraved and punched with floral designs, the ivory hilt and scabbard finely incised with flowers outlined with a red compound and wavy Chinoiserie motifs with brass studs

In overall fairly good condition, with slight cracking on the ivory, minor chips, light oxidation along the blade, the scabbard with minor chips, 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 fine workmanship on the scabbard's mounts is comparable to two scabbards, both belonging to similarly shaped daggers with plain marine ivory mounts in the Furusiyya Art Foundation (see B. Mohamed, L'art des chevaliers en pays d'Islam: Collection de la Furusiyya Art Foundation, Institut du Monde Arabe, 2007, p. 167, no. 155 and p.169, no.157). The dominance of the tulips on the mounts is noteworthy as these were considered the most highly-regarded flowers in Ottoman culture, and particularly popular in the seventeenth century. The further addition of carnations and miniature cintamani-like three-bunches of dots on the ivory with red compound is an unusual and charming feature.