Description
Ottoman Mother-of-Pearl, Tortoiseshell, Ebony, Ivory & Bone Inlaid Wooden Scribe’s Box
Origin: Ottoman Empire, Turkey
Period: Circa 1700s
Material: Rosewood, Mother-of-Pearl, Tortoiseshell, Ebony, Lead, Ivory, Bone
This exceptionally rare and high-quality Ottoman calligrapher’s scribe’s box is a remarkable example of late 17th. century and early 18th-century craftsmanship.
Made from rosewood and richly overlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, ebony, bone, lead, and ivory, this piece exemplifies the artistry and intricate design associated with Ottoman decorative arts.
Description and Design:
- Exceptional Craftsmanship: The artist has demonstrated extraordinary skill by meticulously decorating the box on all sides, ensuring no surface is left untouched. The design features floral motifs carved within the inlaid pieces, seamlessly combined with geometric patterns, reflecting the complexity and elegance of Ottoman design.
- Structure: The box stands on four legs and features a single chest of drawers beneath an opening top compartment.
- Functional Top Lid: One of the most unusual and rare aspects of this piece is the hinged top lid, which not only opens to reveal compartments for calligraphy tools and ink but can also be used as a small writing desk or surface. This practical feature enhances the box’s versatility, making it suitable for daily use by scribes and calligraphers.
- Storage for Important Documents: In addition to storing calligraphy tools, the box provides space for storing and safeguarding important documents and manuscripts, adding to its value as a functional and decorative object.
- Materials and Detailing:
- The box is overlaid with thin slices of ivory, bone, and micro-mosaic beadings across the exterior, emphasizing its geometric and floral intricacy.
- The hinged top is secured by two silver chains.
- The front drawer features two silver decorative elements – a tulip-shaped silver plate surrounding the keyhole and a silver pull ring with a floral plug.
- The interior lid is painted with gold floral motifs on a brown ground, further enhancing the piece’s elegance.
Historical and Artistic Significance:
This scribe’s box reflects the high level of artistry and craftsmanship characteristic of Ottoman calligraphic tools. Calligraphy was highly revered in Islamic culture, and this box not only served a functional purpose but also symbolized the prestige and artistry of its owner.
Why This Piece Stands Out:
- Exceptional Quality: The elaborate decoration on all sides of the box, blending floral and geometric motifs, makes this a truly outstanding and rare artefact.
- Rare Functionality: The hinged top lid, which doubles as a writing surface, is a highly unusual feature not commonly found in similar pieces, enhancing the practicality and uniqueness of this box.
- Versatile Use: In addition to its use as a scribe’s box, it serves as a secure storage space for important documents.
- Collector’s Appeal: This piece represents an excellent addition to any collection of Ottoman artefacts, Islamic calligraphy tools, and antique writing furniture.
For collectors and enthusiasts of Islamic calligraphy tools, Ottoman artefacts, and antique marquetry, this rare and exquisitely decorated box is a valuable acquisition, offering both historical and functional significance.
Registration with GOV.UK of an item containing a percentage of ivory: Submission reference: 7CL182F7
