OTTOMAN TURKEY, 17TH CENTURY

Details

AN INLAID JEWELLER'S CHEST
OTTOMAN TURKEY, 17TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form with wooden sides and iron fittings and handles, the front opening outwards and the top up to reveal a lattice of ivory inlaid drawers with geometric design, the central also with mother-of-pearl rosettes, each with at least one small handle, some with secret compartments, the inside of the front panel decorated with an ivory inlaid star motif
15 3/4 x 14 3/8 x 6 1/4in. (40 x 36.5 x 16cm.)

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. We will invoice under standard VAT rules and VAT will be charged at 20% on both the hammer price and buyer’s premium and shown separately on our invoice.

Further details

This lot contains elephant ivory material and is offered with the benefit of being registered as ‘exempt’ in the UK in accordance with the UK Ivory Act. Please note that it is your responsibility to determine and satisfy the requirements of any applicable regulations relating to the export or import of any lot you purchase.

Brought to you by

Behnaz Atighi Moghaddam Head of Sale

batighi@christies.com +44 20 7389 2509

Lot Essay

With its front closed the exterior of this box, of plain dark wood with robust iron fittings, appears rather spartan. However, once opened it is clear that this was intended to impress with the face of each drawer painstakingly inlaid. A wide and shallow upper drawer gives a hint at the purpose of the box as it was doubtless for containing a set of scales. Hidden cavities and secret drawers only accessible through the back of the main drawers give further clues that this was a travelling jeweller’s work chest. Lockable, portable (the side handles no doubt intended for straps), and with secret compartments for safely concealing the most valuable materials, the chest is both highly functional yet impressive when open. Another very similar Ottoman jeweller’s box was sold in these Rooms, 8 April 2008.

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