Two Ottoman Silver Bowls, Balkans, probably Hungary, 16th century

each of similar shallow form with raised omphalos, with repousse decoration on a punched ground of a medallion of interlaced fleshy-leaved branches within a radiating design of stylised petal-formed cartouches alternately plain or populated by further fleshy-leaved branches, one stamped on the underside with a French import mark of a swan and a further mark, undeciphered

Turkophilia, Paris, 2011

Paris 2011, p.30.

generally good, minor wear, denting and scratching to surface commensurate with age, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These two dishes relate to a number of silver bowls now held in the collection of the Hungarian National Museum (Budapest 1994, cat. no.70). These were excavated at Kereszturi Putszta, Torontal County, Modos Region. There is a supposition that they were buried in agricultural land by their owner to hide them during the unrest of 1552.