A rare openwork silver cooling vessel (karlik), with the tughra of Abdülhamid II (r.1876-1909) and glass interior, Turkey, 19th century

the silver openwork body designed as split, entwined arabesques, in three sections, each with a 'sah' mark and tughra of Abdülhamid II (r.1876-1909), the straight spout with screwable lid and chain, surmounted by lid with floral finial, curved handle, containing a spherical glass vessel with compartments for snow and liquids

In good condition, some spots of black tarnishing on the silver body and to interior, the chain for the cover to spout broken, pieces which attach the two halves broken and missing, the glass section intact with some discoloration to rim of spout, 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."

This rare silver cooling vessel or karlik was produced during the reign of Abdülhamid II (r.1876–1909), the last Ottoman sultan to exert effective authority before the rise of the Young Turk revolutionaries. Only a handful of these silver cooling vessels survive, of which this particular karlik is unique in containing a glass cooling vessel within the silver exterior. Liquid was kept cool by means of snow contained in a small compartment of the glass vessel. The presence of this glass vessel gave the Ottoman craftsman more freedom in the design of the silver exterior, allowing him to create an intricate pierced floral pattern, another feature unique to this karlik.

Only a few other karliks of this type are known, including one sold at Sotheby’s London, 20 April 2016, lot 192. For two published comparables see G. Kürkman, Ottoman Silver Marks, Istanbul, 1996, p.236 and E. Grunberg & E.M. Torn, Four Centuries of Ottoman Taste, London, 1988, no.31.