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Lot Essay
This incense burner is of a form typical of the 18th century. It is however most unusual to find one covered with enamel decoration. Ottoman enamelling is rare and usually associated with daggers rather than with objects of vertue or even with utilitarian items such as this incense burner.
A number of Ottoman knives bearing signatures and dates from the late 18th century with similar enamelled decoration were sold in these rooms, 28 April 1988, lots 122 and 123. Both were dated AH 1207 (1792-3 AD). Another very similar dagger was sold in these rooms 13 October 1998, lot 109.
Enamelling is usually associated with Iran and India, but was practised all over the Middle East. It has been suggested that this is Syrian work (Alexander, D: The arts of war, The Nasser D. Khalili collection of Islamic art Vol. xxi, pp. 146-0 Oxford, 1992).
A number of Ottoman knives bearing signatures and dates from the late 18th century with similar enamelled decoration were sold in these rooms, 28 April 1988, lots 122 and 123. Both were dated AH 1207 (1792-3 AD). Another very similar dagger was sold in these rooms 13 October 1998, lot 109.
Enamelling is usually associated with Iran and India, but was practised all over the Middle East. It has been suggested that this is Syrian work (Alexander, D: The arts of war, The Nasser D. Khalili collection of Islamic art Vol. xxi, pp. 146-0 Oxford, 1992).