Description:

Lot 57. A Gilt-Copper (Tombak) Covered Bowl (Sahan), Ottoman Turkey, Late 18th Century

This elegant Ottoman gilt-copper (tombak) sahan exemplifies the refined artistry and opulent domestic metalwork of late 18th-century Istanbul. Crafted in warm copper alloy and richly gilded, the dish is composed of a deep rounded body and a domed lid surmounted by a delicately modeled floral finial. The surface is finely engraved with garlands of blossoms and scrolling leaves, arranged symmetrically to accentuate its smooth, convex form.

Tombak, the Ottoman technique of mercury gilding on copper, was reserved for the most luxurious tableware and ceremonial vessels. Its rich golden sheen, combined with restrained floral ornament, reflects the classical aesthetic of the late Ottoman court, where Persian and Baroque influences intertwined. Such covered bowls were used for serving sweetmeats or rice, often presented at imperial banquets or as diplomatic gifts.

The present example demonstrates the Ottoman metalworker’s mastery in uniting form and decoration. The subtle play of light across the gilded surface highlights the engraved flowers and the crisp modelling of the finial, embodying the balance between utility and splendor that defines tombak craftsmanship at its height.



Diameter: 21cm

Height: 16cm

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November 4, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

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