A WOODEN SCRIBE'S BOX

OTTOMAN PROVINCES, 16TH/17TH CENTURY

Details

A WOODEN SCRIBE'S BOX
OTTOMAN PROVINCES, 16TH/17TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form with sliding lid, the top and two sides engraved with a series of cusped cartouches each containing dense floral motifs based around central rosettes, each end with a floral spray issuing from a small vase, the decoration on each side contained within a border of scrolling, flowering vine, each side with brass hinges, one with an old lock
21¼ x 8¾ x 11½in. (54 x 22.2 x 29cm.)

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Lot Essay

The elegant carved rosettes found on the sides of this box are probably a development of similar carved woodwork produced in Anatolia from the 14th century. Similar rosettes are present on a pair of window shutters in the Turk ve Islam Muzesi in Istanbul is attributed to early 14th century Konya, (Inv. 196a-b, The Anatolian Civilisations III Seljuk/Ottoman, exhibition catalogue, Istanbul, 1983, D.170, p.88). A very closely related scribe’s box was offered at Sotheby’s London, 28 April 2004, lot 136.

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