AN EWER WITH A BASIN, 19th CENTURY, OTTOMAN EGYPT, with OTTO...

Hammer

£11,000

AN EWER WITH A BASIN, 19th CENTURY, OTTOMAN EGYPT, with OTTOMAN TUGHRA, KING FAROUK COLLECTIONExquisitely designed ewer and basin, featuring intricate gadrooning throughout. Of pear-shaped form, with high curving tubular spout, s-scroll handle, complemented by a gracefully scrolled lead handle and an acanthus attachment, the hinged lid crowned with an elegant pointed finial, the basin boasting a wide flaring boasting form with a rosette and stylised foliage motifs.In the realm of exquisite craftmanship, a larger walnut chest adorned with intricate bone inlay, attributed to the skilled carpenters of 16th century Barcelona, serves as a compelling point of comparison. This remarkable chest is prominently featured in the publication “Caliphs and Kings: The Art and Influence of Islamic Spain – Selections from the Hispanic Society of America, New York, 2004” (Catalogue number 86, page 108). Its sides exhibit a strikingly similar style and a comparable array of decorative elements to the present lot, strongly suggesting a shared origin and time of creation. The distinctive motif draws parallels with bone-inlaid furniture crafted in Granada and the Southern Provinces of Spain. It is worth noting that in the Andalusian region, marquetry works typically featured the iconic eight-pointed star known as “taracae granadia”. Interestingly, this motif traces its roots back to pre-Islamic mosaics and subsequently found its place in architectural designs within Nasrid buildings such as the Mezquita and Madina Azahara (as documented by Maria Paz Aguilo Alonso in “El Mueble en Espana: Siglos XVI - XVII, 1993, p. 164). Our chest, however, diverges from the original norm. While the frontal panel showcases the classic gridwork of eight-pointed stars, the remainder of the ornamentation is dominated by the presence of six and twelve-pointed starts and intricate starbursts. This intriguing departure hints at the possibility of a distinctive local reinterpretation of the renowned Grenadine design, further enhancing the uniqueness and allure of this exceptional piece of craftsmanship. 3150 gr
38 cm, 39,8 diameter