A miniature Ottoman gold pilgrim flask, Turkey, 18th century

of bulbous, matara form, engraved on each side with ‘Muhammad’ between laurel wreaths and floral designs on a punched ground, with an arched handle and lid with chain

"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."

Composed entirely of gold, this miniature flask would have been made for a pilgrim of nobility, most probably for the Hajj where such a precious container would have been used to hold an even more precious substance, water from the Zamzam spring.

Believed to enhance physical and spiritual well-being, water from the Zamzam spring plays an important role in the Hajj, and is often brought home for honoured guests and loved ones. Although every year Zamzam water would be brought back to the Ottoman palace in large quantities, the size of the present container suggests a more intimate, personal use. A small number of flasks produced for the Ottoman elite still exist and are in the Topkapi Palace Museum as well as in European collections such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (inv. no. C.28) and the Moscow Kremlin (inv. no. TK.2882), where they had originally been sent as diplomatic gifts, notably to the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (r.1576-1612) and to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich respectively (see Roxburgh 2005, p.365, no.357 and Levykin 2009, pp.66-7).

Supreme among all Ottoman mataras is the gold vessel which survives in Topkapi Palace Treasury (inv. no. 2/3825, see Atil 1987, p.123). Set with fabulous jewels, this was a royal commission made for Suleyman the Magnificent (r.1520-66) or his son, Selim II (r.1566-74). The flask held the Sultan's drinking water and was carried during court processions. The present container belongs to this group of pious luxury wares produced for the Ottoman elite and executed with the utmost refinement.