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An Ottoman Silver Gun Powder Flask Holder, Commissioned For A Prominent Muslim Individual Beautifully Decorated With Filigree Silver Work With the Stylized Calligraphy Pattern With The Word of Ali, Probably Prizren or Trebizond (Trabzon)-Northeastern-Turkey, Late 18th.-Early 19th. Century.

Identification Number: 570
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Description

Ottoman Armour, A Very Rare Silver Gun Powder Flask Holder, Commissioned For A Prominent Muslim Individual Beautifully Decorated With Filigree Silver Work With the Stylized Calligraphy Pattern With The Word of Ali, Probably Prizren or Trebizond (Trabzon)-Northeastern-Turkey, Late 18th.-Early 19th. Century.

 

This type of stylized calligraphy is yet another form of what is considered to be a sophisticated type of Arabic Calligraphy, the Turks had used the Arabic alphabet in writing for centuries and have had evolved various styles of beautiful Arabic calligraphy including this form, the Turks had stopped using the Arabic Alphabet it in 1927 AD.

 

Therefore the Ottomans had used all different types of calligraphy and this type of stylized calligraphy was an Ottoman invention and was added to the range of beautiful Arabic calligraphy.

 

This very rare Palaska is been decorated with the very well known Ottoman stylized type of calligraphy stylized Art of Calligraphy using the Arabic alphabet, this art was originated in the Ottoman Empire, also this type of calligraphy is called the mirror or the reflection style of calligraphy.

 

This type of stylized calligraphy is used in order to make certain shapes of humans, animals and objects in the form of calligraphy such as in our current lot.

 

The decoration used on this piece is to emphases and commemorate the strength of Ali Ibn Ibin Talib in early Islamic battles this is based on the heroism of the prophet Muhammad cousin and the forth and last Orthodox Muslim Caliph Ali.

 

Therefore the use of Ali’s name and his famous double-edged sensors top like sword of Tholfikar or Zu-al-fikar is been emphasized on this container.

 

The majority of early Islamic Arms & Armor including some war flags including the Ottoman Battle’s flags had used the Zulfikar form, also the form is been used for thalamic purposes.

Dimensions

The height is 12.2 cm.
The width is 10 cm.
3 cm is the Depth.

Condition

very good, silver tarnishing, a small split in the rectangular shaped applied silver pocket which is intended for attaching the leather belt at the back of the container.

Provence

The European Art Market.

References

References:
The Arms of Greece, And Her Balkan Neighbors in The ottoman Period, by Robert Elgood, Thames & Hudson,

Please see the similar elaborate silver filigree from Prizren, lot 226 catalogued on page 184.

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