Lot 208
  • 208

A Chinese porcelain cup with Ottoman tombak mounts set with a coral finial, China and Turkey, 18th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • porcelain and gilt copper mounts, coral
  • 23cm.
the body comprising a blue porcelain cup set in tombak mounts, including a splayed foot with incised floral details, with a hinged lid featuring three cartouches with foliate openwork design, surmounted by coral finial and curved handle

Condition

Condition generally good, split to hinge of cover with crude old repair with copper mount, some rubbing to gilding, 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."

Catalogue Note

This tombak incense burner is distinguished by the inclusion of a Chinese blue ceramic bowl, most probably attributable to the sixteenth/seventeenth century, possibly Ming dynasty. Although numerous examples of Ming ceramics with Ottoman additions are recorded, it is rare to find this on incense-burners as exemplified by the present example. An interesting comparison can be drawn with a jewelled censer in the Topkapi Palace Museum composed of a porcelain body from the Ming Dynasty and set with Ottoman additions, including gemstones on gold mounts and an openwork finial and cup (inv. no. 15/2771, illustrated in D. Roxburgh (ed.), Turks: A Journey of a Thousand Years, 600-1600, London, Royal Academy of Arts, 2005, p.359, no.348).