Lot 241: AN OTTOMAN ENGRAVED OSTRICH EGG HANGING ORNAMENT BY FEYZEI, TURKEY, DATED 1210 AH

AN OTTOMAN ENGRAVED OSTRICH EGG HANGING ORNAMENT BY FEYZEI, TURKEY, DATED 1210 AH

An engraved ostrich eggshell decorated with black pigment, featuring traditional Ottoman motifs. The surface is partitioned by four longitudinal and one equatorial band filled with a repeating geometric diamond pattern. These bands intersect at four circular medallions, each containing the Arabic calligraphic invocation Ya Fattah, or O Opener, executed in black pigment. The upper panels depict a panoramic Ottoman cityscape with numerous mosques featuring prominent domes and slender minarets, alongside fortified walls and cypress trees. The lower sections and equatorial band feature a continuous seascape showing several three-masted sailing ships and galleys upon waves. The apex of the egg contains four small perforations in a clover-leaf arrangement around a central unworked area, intended for the attachment of a suspension mount and tassel. The technique involves fine engraving or scratching into the shell which is then rubbed with pigment to highlight the design.

L: 15cm