- 119
A wicker shield (kalkan) with gilt-decorated steel boss, Turkey, c.1600
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- wicker and steel
the plain covered cane with studs of stylised floral form and mounted with a central steel boss decorated in relief with a spiralling design embellished with cartouches of abstract floral motifs, the border with a band of cursive calligraphy
Condition
one stud missing, some wear and weakening of cane stitching, inner lining is a replacment, losses to gilt decoration of boss and surface rusting, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
Qur'an, chapter LVIII (al-Fath), verses 1-3.
This form of shield was of a type characteristically used by the Ottoman light cavalry. The shield, known as a kalkan, provided the defence for those wielding a sabre or bow and arrows. Where tested, the cane has proven to be from rattan palm, willow and dogwood (Dresden 2010, p.107). A cane shield with similar studs and a steel boss with gilt decoration in a similar style is amongst the Turkenbeute at Karlsruhe (Munich 1991, 174-175, no.121). Another of this group with a boss carrying a similar radial design and related gilt decoration and calligraphy is in the Topkapi Saray Museum (London 1988, p.154, no.92).