Description:

Lot 64. A TOMBAK WATER FLASK (MATARA)
Ottoman Turkey, 17th Century

Of elegant tapering form with a narrow neck and broad folded sides, this fine water flask is crafted in tombak, a gilt-copper alloy prized for its rich, golden lustre. The surface displays a subtle, even gilding with a soft patina acquired through age and handling. The body is delicately tooled with a refined network of floral and foliate motifs, their outlines faintly visible beneath the light-reflecting gilded surface. The form, both sculptural and functional, demonstrates the Ottoman metalworker’s precision and aesthetic restraint.

The underside is plain, showing a smooth continuation of the gilded surface and light wear consistent with use and handling.

Such flasks, known as matara, were used for carrying water or rosewater in both ceremonial and practical contexts. Their refined form and gilded decoration reflect the courtly craftsmanship of Ottoman workshops, where objects of daily use were transformed into expressions of elegance and devotion.

Height: 28cm

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

PLAKAS

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