BLACK SEA COAST, PROBABLY TRABZON, 19H CENTURY

Details

AN OTTOMAN CORAL-INSET SWORD (KILIJ)
BLACK SEA COAST, PROBABLY TRABZON, 19H CENTURY
The watered-steel blade of typical form with gold overlaid inscriptions and decoration, the sheath and hilt of gilt copper extensively inset with coral and turquoise
37 ¾in. (96cm.) long

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Brought to you by

Sara Plumbly

splumbly@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2372

Lot Essay

Two very similar Ottoman kilijs are published by Robert Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour. A Lifetime’s Passion, London, 2013, p.209, nos.507 and 508. As well as mounts heavily set with coral and turquoise, some of it engraved, the Hales swords also have blades decorated with similar gold-damascened inscriptions. A similar kilij was sold in these Rooms, 9 October 2014, lot 120.

More from Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets

View All