Description:

AN OTTOMAN PARCEL-GILT COPPER TRAVELLING SCRIBE'S CASE (DAVAT)
Turkey, 18th/19th Century

Description:
An elegant and functional Ottoman davat—a traveling scribe’s inkwell and pen case—crafted in parcel-gilt copper. The elongated, rectangular pen compartment is attached to a multi-faceted inkwell with a hinged domed lid. The lid and ends are finely chased with vegetal scrollwork, while the case exhibits a warm patina consistent with use. It bears an associated tughra, likely of symbolic or commemorative value, rather than an official mark.

These types of cases were essential tools for officials, clerks, and court scribes (kâtib), combining artistry and practicality. The inkwell would hold ink or soot mixture, while the pen box (divit) was used to carry reed pens (qalam), a knife for sharpening, and small cloths for wiping.

Measurements:

  • Length: 26.5 cm 

  • Weight: 442 g 

Comparable Examples:

  • Sotheby’s, 26 April 2017, Lot 160: Ottoman divit with tughra, sold for £4,000 

  • Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 27 October 2020, Lot 183: Parcel-gilt divit, £3,750 

  • V&A Museum, London: Similar 18th-century divits in copper and silver

Remarks:
This piece not only reflects Ottoman administrative and literary culture but also the status of writing as a prestigious act. The parcel gilding on the functional copper base is both protective and ornamental, and its fine workmanship suggests ownership by a high-ranking individual or a court-affiliated scribe.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

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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