PROBABLY TRABZON, OTTOMAN TURKEY, 18TH CENTURY

Details

A CORAL AND TURQUOISE INLAID SWORD (KILIJ)
PROBABLY TRABZON, OTTOMAN TURKEY, 18TH CENTURY
With curved single-edged blade widening towards point with double-edged end and fuller, with gold overlay decoration of scrolling vine and inscription cartouches in elegant naskh on both sides of the the blade towards the forte, hilt with curved pommel and quillons with lozenge shaped coral and smaller rounded turquoise inset decoration set within gilt wire borders, with large turquoise inset stones with engraved floral sprays at base of hilt and on pommel, scabbard with similar inlaid coral and turquoise decoration arranged in a stellar pattern around floral engraved turquoise stones and punctuated with further smaller turquoises, the back with repoussé floral lattice containing tulips and with one calligraphic cartouche with nasta'liq inscription, two suspension rings attached to fittings on scabbard, very minor losses to coral inset on the hilt, otherwise in good condition
35½in. (90cm.) long

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.

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Lot Essay

The inscription on one side of the blade reads, sahib wa malik 'ali agha tawakkal 'ala allah, 'Owner and possessor 'Ali Agha, put your trust in God'. On the other side of the blade are the names of the seven sleepers of Ephesus and their dog arranged in a circle. There is also the inscription la fata illa 'ali la sayf illa du'l-fiqar, 'There is no youth but 'Ali and no sword but Dhu'l-Fiqar'.

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