Lot 223: A GROUP OF OTTOMAN TURKISH COCONUT SHELL AND STONE SHERBET SPOONS, TURKEY, 19TH CENTURY

A group of decorative Ottoman Turkish sherbet spoons (şerbet kaşığı), typically used for serving sweetened drinks or fruit compotes. Each spoon features a deep, circular or slightly ovate bowl crafted from polished coconut shell, often referred to as kuka, showing a dark brown colour with light fibrous flecks. The handles are of complex composite construction. Three spoons feature handle segments made of faceted red stone, likely red jasper or coral, separated by thin yellow-metal bands. One spoon features segments of polished green stone, possibly nephrite jade, including a central section with spiral fluting. The upper terminals of three spoons consist of hand-carved branch-like forms made from a dark organic material, likely buffalo horn or dark wood. The fourth spoon has a twisted dark terminal with a green stone collar. The bowls are joined to the handles with dark wood or horn connectors, secured by small metal pins. On the reverse of one red-handled spoon, the connector section bears an incised cursive inscription in Ottoman Turkish or Arabic script, alongside three small inlaid metal dots.

L: 30cm