Description:

A GOLD INSCRIBED TURQUOISE BELT, OTTOMAN, 19TH CENTURY
Turkey, 19th century

Description:
A sumptuous Ottoman belt composed of a gold-threaded textile band and a prominent clasp set with three large turquoise plaques. The central panel is vertically oriented and flanked by two horizontal plaques, all bordered with smaller turquoise cabochons. Each of the main turquoise stones is finely inscribed with Qur’anic verses in elegant calligraphy, skillfully overlaid in gold.

This richly adorned belt would likely have been part of a ceremonial or high-status outfit, reflecting the opulence of late Ottoman court fashion. The use of turquoise, a stone revered for both its protective properties and vibrant colour, adds to the visual splendour and symbolic value.

Dimensions: Length: 70 cm

Comparable examples:

  • An inscribed Ottoman turquoise-set belt sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 30 April 2019, Lot 116, for £9,375.

  • A 19th-century Ottoman jewelled belt with calligraphic detail achieved £10,625 at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 14 June 2021, Lot 72.

  • A similar example from the Ottoman courtly wardrobe sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 25 March 2021, Lot 150, for £8,500.

Note:
Ottoman belts such as this were not merely decorative accessories but carried cultural and religious symbolism. The integration of gold-inscribed turquoise signifies both prestige and protection, making such belts cherished heirlooms across generations.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000