A Pair of Diamond-Set Mother-of-Pearl and Coral Spoons, Turkey, 18th/19th century

each with a mother-of-pearl drop-shape bowl affixed to a cylindrical carved coral handle, mounted at the head with a diamond-inlaid terminal in the form of an aigrette, the coral handle and part of the mother-of-pearl carved with floral and foliate designs, with stands

Both in overall good condition, the stem of the bowl on one spoon broken and restored, the stem of the bowl on the other spoon once broken and restored with a new piece of mother-of-pearl, small hairline cracks on few coral panels on handle, head piece of one of the spoons possibly once broken and restored, small crack along external edge of one of the spoons, 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."

A pair of almost identical spoons are in the Topkapi Palace Museum (inv. nos. 2/2497 and 2/2498, illustrated in Atasoy 1992, p.204). These spoons illustrate the extent of Ottoman taste for opulence throughout all aspects of daily life, of which the meals certainly represented an important part. The most elaborate form of spoons, such as these, combined exotic and expensive materials to form not only a utensil but also an aesthetic pleasure extending from sight to touch and taste. 

 A spoon was given to each individual at the meal to help themselves from a communal dish of food, one side of the spoon to be eaten from and the other to retrieve food from the dish with differently shaped spoons being used for different foodstuffs.